Updated interim amendments to UC policy on vaccination programs
Infections Diseases Management Team
What you need to know:
- UCOP invites the UC community to provide feedback on updated interim amendments to the system-wide Policy on Vaccination Programs
- COVID-19 primary series vaccine remains mandated, COVID-19 booster vaccine opt-out now available (healthcare workers may not decline their first booster unless they are eligible for one of the order’s limited exceptions or deferrals)
- UCLA community feedback is due Jan. 27, 2023
Dear Bruin Community:
On December 14, 2022, the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) released updated interim amendments to its system-wide Policy on Vaccination Programs (PDF) which took effect on December 12, 2022. These new revisions are based on feedback received from the UC community during a system-wide review of an earlier version of the policy. UCOP now invites UC students, faculty and staff to comment on these interim amendments.
Changes include:
—The primary COVID-19 vaccine series will remain mandatory for all incoming faculty, staff, students, and trainees covered under the policy, subject only to religious, medical, and disability exceptions and temporary deferral due to pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis or treatment. Healthcare workers will continue to be eligible for fewer exceptions due to a California Department of Public Health Order.
—Individuals covered by the policy must be up-to-date with COVID-19 boosters; however, those who prefer to opt out will be permitted to do so by signing a declination statement containing educational review materials. Individuals who opt out may be subject to campus-specific non-pharmaceutical interventions such as indoor masking. Please note that, under a California Department of Public Health order, healthcare workers may not decline their first booster unless they are eligible for one of the order’s limited exceptions or deferrals.
- PLEASE NOTE: UCLA staff, faculty, and students must submit proof of COVID-19 booster or the opt-out declination form through the UCLA COVID-19 Action Center starting Dec 31, 2022 and no later than Feb. 1, 2023.
—If an individual covered by the policy prefers to defer the COVID-19 booster for more than 90 days after being diagnosed with or treated for COVID-19, they can do so by submitting a declination form. When they do receive the booster, they will again be considered up-to-date.
Comments and questions regarding the policy can be made on the feedback survey. Comments are due by Jan. 27, 2023.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and staying up-to-date with boosters is the best way to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our community safer. We again offer our thanks to students, staff and faculty for helping us maintain a high level of vaccination and hybrid immunity across the campus.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and please know that your input to the policy is valuable and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tim Groeling
Professor, Department of Communication
Co-chair, Infectious Diseases Management Team
Michelle A. Sityar
Chief of Staff, Administration
Co-chair, Infectious Diseases Management Team
