10/6/2020 - Flu Vaccinations

To: All Caltech Graduate and Undergraduate Students
From: Jennifer Howes, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Wellness

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

Student Wellness Services (SWS) is offering free flu shots to graduate and undergraduate students beginning October 7. Flu shots will be available by appointment, with priority given to students who are reporting to campus for research and education purposes, and either reside in Caltech housing or in the surrounding community. Appointments for the initial round of campus clinics on October 7 and 8 are now listed and students may sign-up via this online form.

SWS expects to receive additional doses of the flu vaccine and will offer scheduled appointments to students on an ongoing basis this fall. Students may also get a flu shot through local pharmacies and community clinics; those students living off campus or outside of the area should consult with their primary care physician and other local resources. Students should complete the online attestation that they've received the vaccine through the Caltech COVID Reporting application by October 31, 2020.

The flu vaccine 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. 

Thank you for your compliance with this important public health measure.