Get Your Flu Shot: It's Safe, Easy, and Prevents Illness

September 24, 2026

Dear Rutgers Colleagues,

As flu season approaches, we strongly encourage you to get your flu vaccine. It’s safe, easy, and one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness.

The CDC has renewed its seasonal flu vaccination recommendations, reinforcing the importance of following evidence-based vaccine guidance. For the best protection throughout the flu season, getting vaccinated in October is preferred, when possible. Last year’s flu season was unusually severe, making vaccination even more important.

Flu vaccination can reduce your risk of getting sick and, importantly, can help reduce the severity of illness, hospitalization, and death if you do become infected. It also helps protect the most vulnerable members of our Rutgers community.

Know the Rutgers Flu Vaccination Requirement

Remember, 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. Flu vaccination documentation must be uploaded to the Influenza Vaccine Portal by November 30 and exemption requests must be submitted by November 1.

For employees who are not Covered Individuals, while flu shots are not required, they are encouraged to keep you and the people around you healthy.

Flu Vaccines are Widely Available

Occupational Health will offer free flu vaccines to all faculty and staff with a valid RU ID throughout October. Visit the Occupational Health Flu Immunization webpage to review vaccine availability and clinic dates and locations. In addition, flu shots are already available at local pharmacies and through your primary care provider. You can drop by or schedule a pharmacy visit.  

Let’s continue to work together to keep our Rutgers University campuses safe, healthy, and vibrant by getting a flu shot.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Johnson, MD, FAAP 
Interim Chancellor, Rutgers Health 
Interim Executive Vice President for Health Affairs  
Dean, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School 
Professor of Pediatrics 
Director of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine