Influenza vaccinations have proven effective in reducing the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and the most serious forms of the disease. As we head into cold and flu season and as COVID-19 continues to circulate, Flu vaccination is an important part of staying healthy and helping mitigate against overburdening health care systems. On December 17, 2025, the University of California updated their Policy on Vaccination Programs recommending all covered students, faculty, other academic appointees and staff to get vaccinated against influenza.
Healthcare workers who choose to decline getting the flu vaccine will be required to follow any local or state public health guidance with regard to face covering requirements. Everyone not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear face coverings on campus through the end of the flu season even if COVID-19 masking requirements are loosened.
All members of the campus community and their families are strongly encouraged to receive flu vaccination.
If you are not currently accessing campus but may at any time during the 2026 - 2027 flu season, consider getting a flu vacccination. Keep in mind as the flu season progresses, the availability of the vaccine may become limited. We recommend you get the flu vaccine as early as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the best source for information about this year’s flu vaccination.
Health Workers: Report your vaccine information
- Complete your Flu Attestation to attest to receiving a flu vaccination or confirm the informed decision to opt-out.
What are the benefits of getting the Flu vaccine?
- It can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
- If you do get the flu after getting the flu vaccine, the symptoms are likely to be less severe.
- Aside from helping you stay healthy, the flu vaccine also reduces the chances of you having to see your healthcare provider for flu-related concerns, which helps our healthcare system have resources available for other patients.
- It helps protect the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
- For more information on flu vaccine benefits, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Flu Vaccines Now Available to Employees at Occupational Health
Occupational Health is now offering flu vaccines for employees. Follow these simple steps to schedule your appointment today:
1. Visit the Employee Health Portal.
2. Select UC Merced Shibboleth Sign In and log in using SSO.
3. From the home screen, select My Appointments from the menu on the left.
4. Select Schedule a New Appointment.
5. Choose Immunization.
6. Select your preferred appointment time.
7. Submit your appointment.
First time using the portal? You will be prompted to complete the portal consent before you can access the home screen.
Looking for Other Flu Vaccine Options?
Students, employees, and faculty can visit an on-campus flu clinic. View the flu clinic calendar to find an upcoming clinic. Additional free vaccination options in Merced County can also be found through MyTurn or Vaccines.gov.
