UC issues final COVID-19 vaccination policy

Administrative Note: As announced in May 2023, UC is moving to a systemwide COVID-19 vaccination opt-out program for all Covered Individuals consistent with changes to federal and state public health guidance. The Policy on Vaccination Programs will be updated with interim revisions in August 2023. Additional information can be found in the May UCnet announcement.

After an extensive consultation period that found strong support within the university community for moving forward with a COVID-19 vaccination requirement, UC’s final policy regarding required COVID-19 vaccinations has been approved [note: this policy has been updated to the Policy on Vaccination Programs will be updated with interim revisions].

UC’s approach to required COVID-19 vaccinations can be summarized as follows:

• For the safety and well-being of the entire university community, the policy will require, with few exceptions, that all students, faculty and staff be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed on campus or in a facility or office.
• Individuals will be required to show proof of vaccination, and UC locations are preparing for how they will record individual vaccination status.
• For campuses, compliance with the policy will be required two weeks before faculty, staff and students are expected to be on campus for the fall term.
• The policy will allow for medical exemptions consistent with CDC guidance and manufacturer labeling on contraindications and precautions. As with other policies, and, in the case of employees as required by federal and California law, faculty, staff and students will also be eligible to request accommodations based on disability or religious belief, and deferrals are available for those who are pregnant.
• Those with approved exemptions, accommodations or deferrals may return to their location with the expectation that they will remain masked in all public settings, and comply with the local testing plan.
• Employees who choose not to be vaccinated, and have no approved exemption, accommodation or deferral, potentially put others’ health at risk and may face disciplinary actions.

Guidelines for how the policy will be implemented systemwide are being finalized and are expected to be issued next week. Look for more information from your location.

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