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The influenza vaccine for the 2025-2026 flu season is now available to the UConn Health community, including the workforce, learners, volunteers, and of course, patients. UConn Health’s vaccine supply is quadrivalent (it covers four influenza strains). Additionally, the high-dose vaccine is available for those 65 and older. The CDC now formally recommends the high-dose vaccine for this age group.
New: UConn Health Influenza Vaccination Program Tip Sheet
Make arrangements to receive yours today:
- Clinical employees are encouraged to obtain their flu shot from a mobile immunizer in their work area. If you’re not sure who your area’s mobile immunizer is, ask your supervisor.
- Employee/Student Health Services (Connecticut Tower) is always available by appointment. It’s open Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (closed for lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.). Please call 860-679-2893.
Getting a flu shot, practicing safe hygiene like frequent handwashing, and staying home when sick are our best preventive measures against the spread of influenza. This is especially important in a health care setting such as ours. Getting the flu shot every year also helps protect our families, our coworkers, and ourselves so we can be there for our patients.
Introduced in 2020, UConn Health has an influenza vaccination policy for employees. This is in alignment with almost all the other hospitals/health systems in Connecticut and represents UConn Health’s commitment to protecting our patients and our colleagues.
Employees are free to get their flu shot from their own physician or pharmacy. If you have already gotten your flu shot elsewhere, be sure to send an attestation to flu@uchc.edu. This will ensure compliance with our policy and help the institution meet its reporting obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some frequently asked questions about the new UConn Health mandatory flu shot policy, Influenza Vaccination Policy for Applicable Workforce Members (2020-07; APC).
Last updated August 16, 2024
How long do I have to get my flu shot?
The deadline for compliance is December 31, 2025. Note that requests for medical or religious exemptions must be submitted by October 15, 2025.
I’m not involved with direct patient care. Does this apply to me?
Yes, this policy applies to clinical providers as well as anyone not directly involved in patient care but who potentially could be exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted to and from health care workers and patients.
I work from home most of the time. Am I required to get a flu shot too?
This policy does also include telecommuters, as the potential exists for those employees to report to work if/when deemed appropriate by their supervisor on any given day. A simple way to look at it is, any employee who does or potentially could physically be on campus during flu season is required to get a flu shot.
Where can I get a flu shot?
- Employee Health Services by appointment, 860-679-2893
- Employee flu vaccine clinics (check this page for latest schedule information)
- A “mobile immunizer” (if you don't know who the mobile immunizer is in your area, ask your supervisor)
- Your own doctor or pharmacy
What if I get my flu shot from a pharmacy or from a provider outside of UConn Health?
Before December 31, send a scanned copy of your flu shot documentation to flu@uchc.edu, fax to 860-679-4587, or send a hard copy to mail code MC 2940.
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time?
Yes. Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. Please see the CDC’s recommendations on both vaccines.
What if I have an egg allergy?
According to the recommendations the CDC adopted in 2023, people with egg allergies may receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or not egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status, and no additional safety measures are needed.
What if I have Guillain-Barre syndrome or severe, life-threatening reaction to the flu vaccine?
Please use this form to submit an exemption request by October 15, 2025.
What if I have a sincerely held religious belief that conflicts with this policy?
Please use this form to submit an exemption request by October 15, 2025.
Does UConn/the state have the authority to force me to waive my right to choose what I agree to put in my body?
The purpose of the vaccination policy is to protect our patients, our employees and our community. Individuals receiving the vaccination may reduce the risk to a patient or a co-worker who for medical reasons may be unable to receive the influenza vaccination or who have compromised immune systems. Requiring certain vaccinations for employees has been in place for other vaccinations, such as hepatitis, for some time.
I got my flu shot but I didn’t get a sticker for my badge to show that I did. How do I get one?
To obtain your 25-26 sticker, email flu@uchc.edu.
UConn Health Pulse Podcast: Fall and Winter Respiratory Ailments Await
UConn Health Minute: Flu Season During COVID-19
This UConn Health Minute on CPTV features UConn Health’s infectious disease specialist Dr. David Banach discussing the best defense against influenza, which also may protect against coronavirus.