On June 26, 2024, the University of California released the finalized Policy on Vaccination Programs (attached below). The purpose of this policy is to facilitate protection of the health and safety of the University community, including its patients as well as its students, personnel and all others who work, live, and/or learn in any of the University’s locations or otherwise participate in person in University programs.  

Policy on Vaccination Programs Download

The University strongly recommends that all members of the University community stay Up-To-Date with COVID-19 vaccination as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

The UC Santa Cruz COVID-19 vaccine requirements consist of an opt-out program. Covered Individuals must receive Vaccine Education concerning COVID-19 and vaccination as a preventive measure; and receive COVID-19 vaccination and complete and submit the Up-To-Date on Vaccine self-attestation form.  Those who choose to decline COVID-19 vaccination must complete a Vaccine Declination Statement form.  Covered Individuals who initially decline COVID-19 vaccination but later decide to become vaccinated may receive the Vaccine at any time and may provide notification.  

New personnel must provide proof of being Up-To-Date on COVID-19 vaccination or properly decline such vaccination within 14 calendar days of the first date of employment.  If the 14th calendar day after the first date of employment falls on a weekend or University holiday, the deadline will be the next business day that is not a University holiday.  Student employees are subject to the deadlines applicable to students.

Vaccine Education is communication of the following information about a Vaccine-preventable illness through any combination of Vaccine Information Statements, other written information, verbal communications, or online or in-person training programs as required.

1. The potential health consequences of Vaccine-preventable illness for Covered Individuals, family members and other contacts, coworkers, patients and the community;
2. Occupational exposure to Vaccine-preventable disease;
3. The epidemiology and modes of transmission, diagnosis, and NPIs (Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions), consistent with the Covered Individual’s level of responsibility in preventing Vaccine-preventable infections;
4. The potential benefits of vaccination; and
5. The safety profile and risks of the Vaccine.

All employees are required to complete the Up-To-Date on Vaccine Self-Attestation or Vaccine Declination Statement form for Staff and Academic Personnel. If you have questions about the vaccine policy and whether it applies to your situation, you can email incident@ucsc.edu.