COVID-19 Vaccine

Cal Poly recognizes that approved COVID-19 vaccines are critical tools in ending the coronavirus pandemic. We want to be sure the Cal Poly community has the resources to learn more about these vaccines, get questions answered, and take action as eligibility expands. 

There are still many questions about when specific groups will be able to get the vaccine, and we understand many in our Cal Poly family want to know what this will mean for our campus. We encourage you to explore the updates and links on this page and look for other timely updates via your Cal Poly email and the Cal Poly Report.

Advocacy

Cal Poly is working closely with San Luis Obispo County as our community manages its vaccine roll out. A Cal Poly representative currently sits on the County’s Vaccine Task Force at its bi-weekly meetings and advocates for higher education, including our students, faculty and staff, as the county distributes vaccines within criteria set by the state of California. Read the task force’s meeting minutes, get to know its members, and submit a public comment or question through its website. 

Campus Planning

The university has formed a campus wide task force to explore the feasibility of dispensing vaccines on campus, as supported by local or state agencies. The task force, which represents students, faculty and staff from across campus, reviewed possible models for dispensing vaccines and how Cal Poly could prioritize a potentially limited supply of doses. Now, the task force is forming an operational plan to act swiftly and equitably when vaccines become available to members of our campus community. 

Cal Poly will be reaching out to specific groups of employees and students via email with more information as the university finalizes its plans and responds to evolving county, state and federal public health guidance. 

Facts About the Vaccines

In these early stages of the vaccine rollout, transparency and good information is key to making informed decisions about your health. At this time, two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use: both are mRNA vaccines, one made by Pfizer and one made by Moderna. Please explore information on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website that may answer many questions and concerns you have about the COVID-19 vaccines available at this time.

CDC Vaccination Information

• Benefits of Vaccination
• Understanding Different COVID-19 Vaccines
• Ensuring the Safety of Vaccines
• Allergies
• Frequently Asked Questions

Webinar on Vaccine Safety and Equity  

On February 5, 2021, San Fransico State’s SF BUILD program presented its COVID-19 Vaccine Informational Webinar addressing accessibility to underserved communities, mRNA vaccine safety, community concerns, and more. Watch the webinar recording below or on YouTube:

Continue to Do Your Part

Currently and for the foreseeable future, regardless of vaccination status, everyday measures like face coverings and physical distancing will remain critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Even as more people are vaccinated, Cal Poly encourages everyone to do the following:   

•     Wear a face covering.
•     Practice physical distancing.
•     Avoid gathering with those outside your household. If you do, meeting outside is safer than gathering indoors.  
•     Monitor your health and stay home if you are sick.
•     Get tested if needed. Learn about Cal Poly’s ongoing testing program.  
•     Wash your hands though out the day and sanitize frequently touched surfaces.

We ask everyone in the Cal Poly community — on campus or off — to recommit to these measures and continue to do your part every day. Your actions matter: they continue to save lives and keep people working over the next few months. 

For information on San Luis Obispo County’s public health response, visit emergencyslo.org.