Dear UCSF Community,

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, UC San Francisco staff, faculty, and learners are asked to meet a new vaccination requirement to receive the COVID-19 bivalent booster shot (if eligible), or formally opt out, by Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland employees, please see below.

The bivalent booster, which the FDA approved this past fall, is effective against COVID-19 and its subvariants. Studies show that the bivalent booster increases protection against severe COVID-19 disease, even for those who have had COVID-19 or have received a prior booster shot. UCSF’s internal data show significantly lower infection rates among UCSF faculty, staff, and learners who have received the new bivalent booster compared with those who have not.

Required Action by Feb. 1, 2023

UCSF faculty, staff, and learners – who have already met the vaccine primary series and booster requirements – must take one of the following actions:

• Submit documentation that you have received the COVID-19 bivalent booster

- or

• Submit your decision to opt-out of getting the COVID-19 bivalent booster

You may submit your proof of vaccination or decision to opt-out via the Occupational Health Services portal or by email to [email protected]. Whether you received the vaccination at UCSF Health or another provider’s location, you must submit documentation of the bivalent booster (or decision to opt-out) to ensure it is recorded in your Occupational Health record and captured in the employee compliance system.

Information on vaccination eligibility, appointments, and locations is available on the COVID-19 Vaccines at UCSF Health page. While appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome at any UCSF Health vaccine location regardless of whether you are a UCSF Health patient or not.

For UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland Employees

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is updating its COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will send specific information to employees separately. UCSF Benioff Oakland employees can receive the bivalent booster at the Outpatient Center on the main campus and should submit documentation to Employee Health at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued commitment and support of our public health mission throughout the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Josh Adler, MD

Chief Clinical Officer

UCSF Health