Flu Preparation

To promote a safe and healthy campus, The University of Toledo requires annual influenza vaccines for all on-campus students and many employees.

Healthcare workers in The University of Toledo Medical Center and University clinics are required to be vaccinated under the Healthcare Worker Influenza Vaccination procedure. The procedure applies to all faculty, staff, students and volunteers whose duties or positions cause them to be in patient care areas.

A separate 2021 policy requires non-clinical employees who are not represented by a bargaining unit to upload proof of vaccination prior to Dec. 1 of each year. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, also must provide proof of vaccination against influenza prior to Dec. 1.

The University may grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis for documented medical contraindications or sincerely held religious beliefs. Completed exemption request forms should be uploaded no later than Oct. 15, 2024.

Free flu vaccines will be available to faculty, staff and students on both Main and Health Science campuses.

Vaccine availability

vaccine faq

Why does UTMC require influenza vaccinations?

The University of Toledo Medical Center wants to provide the safest environment possible for patients and their families, employees, and visitors to our facilities. Requiring vaccinations helps protect patients, employees and others from the seasonal flu. The medical staff at UTMC is also in support of requiring the flu vaccine.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are not required, but individuals do need to complete a consent form, available at influenza.utoledo.edu, prior to getting their flu shot.

Is it possible to have an exemption from the vaccination?

Yes. An individual may request a medical or religious exemption. A request for medical or religious exemption form must be filled out completely and supporting documentation provided. The request form can be printed from the University’s vaccine registry portal. 

The completed form needs to be uploaded to the same site by end of the calendar day on Oct. 15, 2024. Request for medical exemption requires documentation from a physician stating the medical condition prohibiting the vaccination. Request for religious exemption requires certification of a sincerely held religious belief against vaccination.

If an individual receives a medical or religious exemption does she/he have to follow any special precautions when working in patient care areas?

Yes. Typically, those who received medical or religious exemption in the past were always required to wear a mask in any geographic location where there might be contact with UTMC patients, families or other Health Science Campus personnel and still holds true this season.

Does a new medical or religious exemption need to be submitted each year?

Yes. A new Exemption Request form is required each year.

Is it a HIPAA violation/confidentiality breach to disclose vaccination/exemption information to department management?

Vaccination or exemption information may be shared on a need-to-know basis. HIPAA permits sharing this information as part of healthcare operations, which generally include those activities we perform to improve the quality of care delivered to patients. 

Why should I get the vaccination when it is first offered? 

CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. The CDC does not recommend getting the vaccine too early (e.g., July or August) because it is likely to be associated with reduced protection against the flu later in the season. It generally takes two weeks after vaccination to increase your immunity to the highest level after receiving the vaccine. Therefore, vaccination as soon as possible will help the organization’s workforce achieve maximum immunity before the peak flu season arrives.

Can the vaccine cause influenza?

No. The injectable (inactivated) cannot cause influenza. The injectable influenza vaccine contains only killed viruses and cannot cause influenza disease. Fewer than 1% of people who are vaccinated develop influenza-like symptoms, such as mild fever and muscle aches, after vaccination. These side effects are not the same as having the actual disease. Consequently, the vaccine cannot produce influenza disease. 

If someone feels ill, should they get the flu vaccination?

People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor about whether to reschedule receiving the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

Can I get vaccinated from another facility besides UTMC?

Yes. However, you must provide documentation of the date and alternate location where you were vaccinated. Proof of vaccination must be uploaded after login into the University’s vaccine registry portal prior to Dec. 1, 2024, for the current flu season. Remember, the flu shot is free here at UTMC.

Can family members receive a vaccination from UTMC Occupational Health? 

Not at this time. Though it is highly recommended that healthcare providers' family members get vaccinated.

I am allergic to eggs. Can I get the flu vaccine? 

Occupational Health is offering a vaccine that has not been propagated in eggs. The vaccine can be considered egg-free, making it an alternative for anyone who has an allergy to eggs. Please see the medical exemption request form for additional information and speak with your physician to see if this is a good alternative vaccine for you. 

What if an employee has an adverse reaction after the flu shot? 

Localized reactions are normal and include redness or a sore arm.  If you feel you are having a severe reaction seek immediate treatment at the Emergency Department or with your Primary Care Provider. Notify Occupational Health if your provider diagnoses you as having a severe reaction by calling 419.383.5598. 

How safe is this vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is very safe and has been given since 1943. The most common side effects include soreness, redness, and/or swelling at the site of the injection. These reactions are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days and only occur in 15% to 20% of recipients. Less than 1% of recipients of either form of vaccine develop symptoms such as fever, chills and muscle aches for one to two days following the vaccination. These symptoms are more likely to occur in a person who has never been exposed to the influenza virus or vaccine. Experiencing these nonspecific side effects does not mean that you are getting influenza. Serious adverse reactions to either vaccine are very rare.

I am pregnant. Am I exempt from receiving the flu vaccine?

No. According to the CDC, you can receive the flu shot any time, during any trimester while you are pregnant. Pregnant women should receive the flu shot because they are more likely to have serious complications if they get the flu. If you're pregnant, once you get the flu shot, your body will start producing antibodies that will help protect you against the flu, and this protection can be passed to your unborn baby.

For more information visit the CDC: Pregnant Women & Influenza. 

Who should employees contact if they have any questions? 

UTMC Staff, for more information contact the Employee and Occupational Health Department at 419.383.4939 or email VaccineExemption@UToledo.edu.

All others, contact the University Health Center at 419.530.3451 or email utvaccinereg@utoledo.edu. Students also may visit the Student Health website for additional information on required vaccines.

Should a flu vaccine be given to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19?

No. Vaccination should be deferred (postponed) for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms, until they have met the criteria to discontinue their isolation. While mild illness is not a contraindication to flu vaccination, vaccinations should be postponed in these individuals to avoid exposing healthcare personnel and other patients to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Can a flu vaccine be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. According to guidance from the CDC, individuals may receive an influenza vaccine at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible and the timing coincides. If you have questions or concerns about getting both vaccines at the same time, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Answers to additional frequently asked questions are available on the CDC website.