Updated 5 p.m. Oct. 4 to correct the date of the employee clinic to be held in the Health Sciences District and to add the location of that clinic. It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19, in 1041 Valley Hall.

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The University of California policy that requires all students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 now also requires everyone either receive a flu shot or opt out by Dec. 1.

The policy was updated this summer to cover both vaccines.

“While the requirement applies to those who will be living, learning or working on campus, all members of the campus community — and their families — are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccination,” the Campus Ready webpage on flu shots states.

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency recommends both the latest COVID-19 boosters and the seasonal flu shot.

“Flu vaccines are recommended annually for everyone 6 months of age and older,” the county said. “The upcoming flu season is projected to be severe, making flu vaccines all the more important.”

The California Department of Public Health agrees, urging everyone except the very youngest to get vaccinated: “As the COVID pandemic continues into a third flu season, do your part to help reduce strain on California’s hospitals by getting the flu shot.”

Flu shots are available through your health care provider, county clinics or on-campus vaccination efforts.

Documenting or declining flu shots is done in Health-e-Messaging.

To report you have been vaccinated: 

1. Click on “Medical Clearances.”
2. Click the green “Update” button in the “Influenza Immunization” section.
3. Enter the date you received your flu vaccine and select “Flu whole (Influenza-Seasonal)” in the drop-down menu. 
4. Click “Done” and your information will be saved. You do not need to upload a copy of your flu vaccination record. 

To decline the flu shot:

1. Click on “Messages,” then “New Message.”
2. Select the option for “Influenza (flu) Declination” and click “Send” to submit the form.

Employee clinics

Three free flu shot clinics are scheduled on campus this month, with a total of 350 vaccines available. The clinics, which are first-come, first-served, will be held:

• Tuesday, Oct. 11 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Cowell Building lobby
• Wednesday, Oct. 19 — 10 a.m-2 p.m., 1041 Valley Hall, Health Sciences District (Oct. 19 is the corrected date for this clinic)
• Thursday, Oct. 27 — 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Cowell Building lobby

Student insurance

Student Health and Counseling Services is currently offering flu shots for students; appointments can be made in Health-e-Messaging. Flu 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

Yolo County has free flu vaccine clinics scheduled in Esparto, Winters, Woodland and Davis. See the schedule online.

Sacramento County is hosting free flu clinics throughout October and November. The schedule is available online.