The University of California stated in a press release on Friday, August 7, that students, employees, and staff need to update their 'seasonal influenza' immunization vaccine before October 1, 2020, as part of the institution's initiative to prevent the spread of the Novel coronavirus.
The University of California hopes that students comply with this directive because their main concern is the welfare of every student who will attend their institution in the coming fall of 2020.
The University of California requires its students and staff to present specific documentation and certifications of the administered vaccines, as part of the institution's requirement. They strongly advise students to update their immunity on infectious diseases like Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Varicella, Pertussis, and Meningitis.
Daily Bruin adds that UC also asks students to receive immunization for tetanus and chickenpox. This requirement applies for the academic year of 2020-2021, as advised by the university.
Carrie Byington, UC Health Vice President, said that the influenza vaccinations effectively reduce flu-related sickness and hospitalization. Student vaccination brings insurance against developing flu-like symptoms that are closely related to the current global crisis, the COVID-19.
"We strongly believe that the health of the individual can affect the health of the entire community," she said. "This proactive measure on influenza immunizations will help further protect the UC community as well as the public at large."
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UC's Immunization Plan
The University of California, across its nine branches, upholds a requirement for its student, faculty, and staff to have immunization plans prior to entering the university. This pandemic time sees the hardship of acquiring vaccines as people are asked to stay at home and discouraged from going to public places.
"While social distancing and other measures to prevent infection are of the utmost importance during the COVID-19 emergency, it's equally important to stay healthy and protect yourself against other communicable diseases." UC said.
"At this time there is no change to the UCLA Immunization Requirement and newly-admitted incoming UCLA students must meet the requirements by the October 1st deadline."
The University of California is also coordinating with medical experts regarding a mass vaccination program to ensure immunization for every student.
"The Ashe Center's annual UCLA Immunization Requirement Fair is currently under review due to restrictions on campus gatherings related to COVID-19."
UC's Immunization Requirement Fair is subject to approval, and the University asks its students to stand-by a directive regarding this. Certain protocols are being implemented in the fight against COVID-19, and public mass gatherings are still prohibited.
Vaccination Requirements
UC requires and recommends new students to receive the following vaccines to maintain a healthy learning environment. Check out the list below.
Required Vaccinations:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- Meningococcal conjugate-- (Serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135)
- Screening for tuberculosis
UC strongly recommends the following vaccinations:
- Human papillomavirus vaccine for women and men through age 26 years
- Hepatitis B vaccine for all students regardless of age
- Meningococcal conjugate for students up to age 23
- Meningococcal B for students ages 16-23 who elect vaccination after discussion with their healthcare provider
Other Recommended Vaccines:
- Influenza vaccine (annual)*
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine for students with certain medical conditions, e.g., severe asthma, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease
- Poliovirus vaccine (if series not completed as a child)
- Vaccines for international travel, based on destination
*The annual recommendation of the 'Influenza vaccine' is changed from recommended to being a requirement.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Alonzo
