Dear SMPH faculty, staff, and students:
The December 7 deadline for getting an influenza vaccination and submitting the proper documentation is swiftly approaching. Another campus University Health Services clinic for students and employees has been scheduled for this coming Monday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nicholas Recreation Center. Appointments are optional — you may schedule a time online, or just stop by at your convenience.
Keep in mind that getting your vaccine is not enough — you must also submit the proper documentation. If you receive your vaccine at a UHS clinic, then your information is automatically reported and you do not need to submit documentation. However, if you receive your shot through any other avenue, you must tell us about it. To date, only about 1,900 of 7,500 employees have completed this requirement. Here are some examples of proper documentation that can be submitted to hr-compliance@med.wisc.edu.
- Screenshot from your MyChart
- WI Immunization Registry record
- Walgreens receipt
- Note from doctor
Jon Temte, MD, PhD, our very own Associate Dean for Public Health and Community Engagement, wants you to know why he gets his flu shot:
“Every October I engage in the annual ritual of receiving my influenza vaccine. It is not a fun disease and so easily prevented with a vaccine. I not only protect myself, but my family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and patients. Just like COVID-19, I can spread influenza before I know I’m sick. With so much uncertainty in our lives right now, here’s a simple way to eliminate some of it — and reporting your vaccination properly lets us know our school community will remain safe and healthy. So, take a few minutes, roll up your sleeve, and take one for the community.”
This requirement is for all employees regardless of work location. If you have a valid medical, religious, or personal reason that prohibits you from receiving an influenza vaccination, you may submit an influenza vaccine medical waiver or influenza vaccine religious belief or personal conviction waiver. These need to be completed annually.
Dually-employed faculty who are additionally employed by UW Health can also attend a UW Health Clinic.
- If you are dually-employed by UW Health and SMPH: Send your documentation to hremployeehealth@uwhealth.org. UW Health HR will share it with the SMPH HR compliance team for our records. (If you happen to send it to SMPH HR by mistake, we will in turn share it with UW Health.)
- If you are singly employed by UW Health: Send your documentation to hremployeehealth@uwhealth.org.
If you plan to have your insurance cover the cost of your vaccination, you must bring your health insurance card with you. Otherwise the cost is $25 without proof of insurance. Wear a face covering to your appointment.
Questions about the influenza vaccination requirement or the influenza vaccination clinics may be directed to: hr-compliance@med.wisc.edu.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe and healthy.