As part of its effort to promote a safe and healthy campus, The University of Toledo is now requiring annual influenza vaccines for all on-campus students and many employees.
The new policy, which went into effect Sept. 14, requires employees who are not represented by a bargaining unit to upload proof of vaccination by Dec. 1 of each year. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, also must provide proof of vaccination against influenza by Dec. 1.
UToledo President Gregory Postel received his flu vaccination last year at an on-campus flu shot clinic. Flu shots will be available at the University Health Center on Main Campus and on Health Science Campus in the outpatient pharmacy in the UTMC Medical Pavilion.
The University previously adopted in 2015 a flu shot requirement for healthcare workers in The University of Toledo Medical Center and University clinics that applies to all faculty, staff, students and volunteers whose duties or positions cause them to be in patient care areas.
Flu shots will be available for faculty, staff and students on Main Campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the University Health Center beginning Oct. 4. Individuals should enter the clinic via door 1.
On Health Science Campus, flu shots will be available from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday at the outpatient pharmacy in the UTMC Medical Pavilion beginning Oct. 5.
The vaccines are free and appointments are not required, but individuals do need to complete a consent form, available at influenza.utoledo.edu, prior to getting their flu shot.
Faculty, staff and students who complete a consent form and get vaccinated through the University will have their proof of vaccination uploaded automatically.
Those who have received flu shots elsewhere need to upload proof of vaccination at utvaccinereg.utoledo.edu.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been between 9 million and 45 million influenza infections annually since 2010, resulting in 140,000 to 810,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 to 61,000 deaths each year.
Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended by the CDC for all Americans aged 6 months and older.
Students who are taking 100% of their courses online and employees who are working 100% remotely and do not come to campus are exempt from the requirement.
The University also may grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis for documented medical contraindications or sincerely held religious beliefs. Students and employees who are seeking an exemption can find forms and submit requests at utvaccinereg.utoledo.edu. Completed exemption request forms should be uploaded before Oct. 16.
Additional information about upcoming influenza immunization clinics will be shared at influenza.utoledo.edu and via UToledo News as it becomes available.
