Flu Season Has Begun - Get Your Flu Shot Today

December 11, 2023

Dear Rutgers University colleagues,

The well-being of our university community remains our top priority. With flu season in full swing and the holidays beginning, we are writing to urge each and every one of you to prioritize your health and the health of those around you by getting your flu shot and covid booster.

Getting your flu and covid vaccines is a simple yet powerful measure to protect yourself and others. Both are proven and effective ways to reduce the risk of illness, complications, and hospitalization. By getting vaccinated, you not only enhance your own immunity but also contribute to the creation of a safer and healthier environment for everyone here at Rutgers.

Let us come together as a responsible and caring community to prioritize our health and well-being. By taking this small yet significant step, we can collectively contribute to a healthier and more resilient campus.

Wishing you good health,

Vicente Gracias, MD
Senior Vice Chancellor for Clinical Affairs, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University 

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University

Vaccines are Widely Available

Flu shots and covid boosters are already available at local pharmacies and through your primary care provider. You can drop by or schedule a pharmacy visit. In addition, there are a limited number of flu vaccine appointments with Occupational Health for faculty and staff. Visit the Occupational Health Flu Immunization webpage to check availability.

It may take two weeks after your shot to develop the protective antibodies, so don’t delay and get your shot today!

Covered Individuals Policy Reminder

All covered individuals are required to provide proof of seasonal flu vaccination unless they have a Rutgers-approved exemption. Please review Policy 100.3.1 to determine if this requirement applies to you. Any Covered Individual who fails to comply with this policy may be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

The November 30 deadline to upload your vaccination documentation has passed, but you are still able to upload to the Influenza Vaccine Portal. Remember, you can also find the vaccine portal on the MyRutgers healthcare tab, along with other important health resources.