Janet Napolitano, in her last act as UC President, issued an executive order July 31 requiring that all employees receive the flu shot, except those who qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Teamsters immediately requested to meet and negotiate the requirement and its impact and that meeting is set for September 29, 2020. Teamsters also demanded that employees be allowed a personal exemption, which has been the accepted and working practice in the health system prior to this year’s announcement.
In the meantime, if you would like to file a medical or religious objection, follow the process outlined in the frequently asked questions below OR you can get the vaccine that is being offered. Remember, the University is requiring the flu vaccine prior to Nov. 1, 2020. We encourage you to file for an exemption as soon as possible if you do not plan on getting a flu shot.
Teamsters recognizes that UC employees have diverse viewpoints on the flu vaccines. Although many employees receive the vaccine, others would prefer to file for an exemption and wear a mask, a proven option to prevent the spread of the flu.
UC’s Flu Shot Exemption Details
Are there any exemptions from the universal mandate?
Yes. Employees may request a medical exemption by having their health care provider complete the Medical Exemption Request Form attached to the executive order, and then submitting the form to the designated campus official. If an employee is requesting a medical exemption or any other accommodation due to a disability, the employee should contact their local disability management office (who will coordinate with the local campus medical official as appropriate). Requests for religious accommodations will be handled through the interactive process consistent with local policies and procedures.
Links to UC Flu Vaccination Information:
Janet Napolitano’s Executive Order regarding flu vaccinations
UC Frequently Asked Questions regarding flu vaccinations
Medical Exemptions
A list of established medical contraindications to and precautions for flu vaccine can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, Guide to Contraindications, online at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/contraindications.html (scroll to IIV) and currently includes: Contraindications: Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after previous dose of influenza vaccine or to vaccine component.
Precautions: Guillain-Barré Syndrome<6 weeks after a prior dose of influenza vaccine
Moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever Egg allergy other than hives, e.g., angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, recurrent emesis; or required epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention (IIV may be administered in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting and under the supervision of a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions). Any request for medical exemption must be documented on the attached Medical Exemption Request Form and submitted by an employee to the designated campus medical official (collectively an “Authorized HCP”).