Mandatory Flu Vaccine Policy

For the 2020-21 academic year, Caltech is requiring that all members of the community receive a flu vaccine for the 2020-21 flu season prior to reporting to campus. Faculty and staff members, postdoctoral scholars, and students who come to campus will all be expected to receive and verify that they have been immunized by October 31, 2020, unless otherwise approved for an exception. Community members will be able to do this through the Caltech COVID Reporting application.

This requirement is an important proactive measure that the Institute is implementing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential that Caltech's community members continue to do all they can to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, and to limit potential strain on health care facilities this coming fall and winter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people should be vaccinated against the flu to reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related deaths in at-risk populations.

Faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to obtain their free flu shots through their healthcare providers. Human Resources will also organize on-campus clinics as doses are available; details on a fall clinic, likely to be scheduled in October 2020, will be provided soon.

Undergraduate and graduate students are able to obtain a free flu vaccine through Student Wellness Services on an appointment basis.

Employees who would like to request exemptions or accommodations to the requirement for medical or religious reasons, should contact Human Resources Disability and Leave Administration Unit at leaveunit@caltech.edu.