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

September 29, 2025

Dear Rutgers Colleagues,

As flu season begins, we strongly recommend getting your flu shot—it’s easy, safe, and one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious 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.

Remember, all Covered Individuals are required to provide proof of seasonal flu vaccination unless they have a Rutgers-approved exemption. Please review Policy 100.3.1to 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

Flu shots are already available at local pharmacies and through your primary care provider. 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.  

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

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 Biomedical and Health Sciences
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Rutgers University