Updated Oct. 11: The second paragraph of the story has been updated to clarify the requirements for compliance with the university's revised policy on vaccination.
Flu season is again approaching, as is the University of California requirement to get a flu shot or opt out by Dec. 1.
The requirement applies to all employees or students who come onto university property, and requires current flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with opt-out options for both. Similar to the flu, the updated COVID-19 vaccine policy requires receiving the most current and recently updated formulation to be compliant with policy, or filing a declination form.
Updating your vaccine status can be done in Health e-Messaging. Step-by-step instructions are available online.
The UC-wide policy was updated this summer but has the same deadline and requirements as last year: Stay up-to-date on vaccines by following those two agencies’ recommendations.
The CDC makes it plain on its homepage: “Now is a good time for most people to get a flu vaccine.”
To ease the process, UC Davis is providing free vaccines for employees and students on the Davis campus. Clinics are also underway throughout Yolo and Sacramento counties.
Employee flu shot clinics
Three free flu shot clinics are on the books on the Davis campus, with the first set for later this week. A total of 500 doses of the flu vaccine will be available between the events on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Thursday, Oct. 12 — 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Valley Hall room 1041
- Tuesday, Oct. 17 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cowell Building Lobby
- Thursday, Nov. 2 — 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Cowell Building Lobby
Flu and COVID shots available to students
Student Health and Counseling Services is currently offering seasonal flu shots and this fall’s new COVID-19 vaccine for students; appointments can be made in Health-e-Messaging. Both shots are completely covered for students on the UC Student Health Insurance Plan, or SHIP, and are available at a nominal fee for all registered students.
County flu clinics and beyond
Yolo County has free flu vaccine clinics scheduled in West Sacramento, Woodland, Esparto, Davis, Knights Landing and Winters. See the schedule online.
Sacramento County is also hosting free flu clinics, with an updated schedule posted each week.
A federal website provides a list of other places to get vaccinated, like pharmacies.
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Cody Kitaura is the editor of Dateline UC Davis and can be reached by email or at 530-752-1932.