Get Your Flu Shot to Prevent Severe Illness This Fall

November 5, 2025

Dear Rutgers University colleagues,

Join us in keeping yourself and those around you healthy by getting your flu shot as soon as possible and before rates of flu increase later this fall. Remember, the flu shot is easy, safe, and most importantly, will protect you from severe illness.

Flu vaccines are proven to prevent infection, reduce the severity of symptoms, and limit the spread of the virus. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect your own health but also help safeguard the most vulnerable members of our community, including children and the elderly.

Let’s continue to keep our local community safe by getting the flu shot. Together, we can make a difference in the health of those around us.

Wishing you good health,

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

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

Flu Shots are Widely Available

Flu shots are already available at local pharmacies and through your primary care provider. COVID-19 shots are also available at most pharmacies in New Jersey.

You can drop by or schedule a pharmacy visit. In addition, Occupational Health will offer free flu vaccines to all faculty and staff with a valid RU ID. Visit the Occupational Health Flu Immunization webpage to review vaccine availability and clinic dates and locations.

Covered Individuals Policy Reminder

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.

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.