Flu Shot Deadline Nears Before Mandatory Mask Policy Starts

This is a friendly reminder that all patient care providers or anyone who enters a patient room or hospital area must have either received a 2013 flu vaccine or wear a paper mask to protect against spreading the influenza.

This UCSF policy stems from both state law and the San Francisco Department of Public Health orders. All UCSF Medical Center employees must be vaccinated for influenza, or they can choose to decline by completing an online form and instead wear a mask in the medical center's hospitals and clinics.

The policy will go into effect on Sunday, Dec. 15 and last until the end of influenza season, defined as ending on March 31 or later of the following year.

Managers are reminded to review a list of employees in their department and inform them of this important responsibility.

Flu shots are available at Occupational Health locations. The online declination can be found here.