Detailed Information

COVID-19 Vaccine

Cal Poly is working closely with San Luis Obispo County Public Health to end this pandemic in our community. The emergency-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are a critical tool to reach that goal — they are proven to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. COVID-19 vaccine appointments are free and don't require information about the recipient's immigration status. Find ways to access free vaccine appointments and get more information on the available vaccines below.

Do you live outside of SLO County? Find your community’s COVID-19 page.

Vaccination Opportunities | Transportation | Uploading Vaccination Records | Email a Question

Recent Updates

Vaccination Requirements: The CSU and UC systems announced plans to require the COVID-19 vaccine for students and employees conditioned on Food and Drug Administration approval and adequate availability of the fully approved vaccine, likely beginning in fall quarter. More details will be made available as fall approaches. Find the full announcement on the CSU’s website.

Vaccination Opportunities in SLO County

Vaccine Appointments for Students at the Health Center

Campus Health and Wellbeing offers a limited number of COVID-19 vaccine appointments to Cal Poly students at the Health Center (Bldg. 27) on campus. The center will offer the Pfizer vaccine for any continuing student who needs their first or second dose. Incoming students who will begin taking Cal Poly courses in fall will be able to access vaccines on campus, if needed, starting in mid-July.

  • Appointments: Students can call 805-756-1211 to make vaccination appointments, which begin June 8. If you’re making a second-dose appointment for the Pfizer vaccine, make sure you are scheduling for at least 21 days after your first dose.
  • What to bring: Bring your Poly Card or a photo ID and a completed vaccination consent and questionnaire. If this is a second-dose appointment, bring your vaccination card.
  • Parking: There are free, one-hour parking zones on the top level of the Grand Avenue for those with COVID-19 vaccination and testing appointments.
  • Cancellations: Call the Health Center at 805-756-1211 if you need to cancel your appointment.

Myturn.ca.gov Appointment System

Find free first- or second-dose vaccination appointments through your local public health department offices, some local pharmacies and other local providers.

  • Find an appointment: Use the state's My Turn system or call (833) 422-4255 to schedule a first-dose or second-dose appointment anywhere in the state.
  • What to bring: Bring a photo ID that confirms your birth date. If possible, print your completed screening form. If you're coming for your second dose, bring your COVID-19 vaccination card.
  • Questions: Getting vaccinated is free, does not involve health insurance, and does not require information about a person's immigration status. If you have any questions about the My Turn system, call (833) 422-4255.

Local Pharmacies

  • Find an appointment: search your zip code on vaccinefinder.gov to find appointments at local pharmacies and other sites.
  • What to bring: contact pharmacies directly to confirm what documentation or insurance information you may need to bring to your appointment. If you're coming for your second dose, bring your COVID-19 vaccination card.

 

Transportation to Vaccination Appointments

Public Transportation: SLO Transit buses offer routes in San Luis Obispo that can connect you to regional transit and is free to students with a PolyCard. SLO County's Regional Transit Authority (SLORTA) offers services throughout San Luis Obispo County.

Car Rentals: Campus community members can rent a ZipCar on campus by the hour seven days a week. Cal Poly students get discounted rates and can rent at a minimum age of 18.

Ridesharing Apps: Uber and Lyft offer discounted rides to vaccination appointments. Individuals can request rides through these respective apps, though these programs are not associated with or administered by Cal Poly.

Uploading Vaccination Records – Students Only

Students who have received all necessary doses of their COVID-19 vaccine (one dose for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; two doses for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) can upload their vaccination records with Campus Health and Wellbeing. Uploading records will satisfy the CSU’s anticipated COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

  • How to upload: Continuing students can upload their vaccination records through the COVID-19 Info tab of the Cal Poly Portal once they have received their final dose. Be sure to upload records through the COVID-19 Info tab and not through the Health and Counseling Portal. Students who received the COVID-19 vaccine through Campus Health and Wellbeing's Student Vaccination Clinic on campus don't need to upload their records. 
  • New first-year and transfer students will be able to access the COVID-19 Info tab of the portal in late July. Hold onto your vaccination card until then. 
  • Lost your card? Contact the Public Health Department in the county in which you received your vaccination to request a copy. 

Facts About the Vaccines

At this time, three COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use, from Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna. Explore up-to-date information from reliable sources, including those listed here:

Continue to Do Your Part

As restrictions lift and businesses reopen, there are several simple ways you can keep yourself and your community healthy.

  • Wear a face covering where updated public health guidance requires it.
  • Get vaccinated if you are able
  • Monitor your health and stay home if you feel sick/feverish.
  • Access COVID-19 testing if needed. Enrolled students experiencing symptoms can access testing through Campus Health and Wellbeing by calling 805-756-1211. SLO County also has a number of free testing locations. 
  • Wash your hands though out the day and sanitize frequently touched surfaces

For information on San Luis Obispo County’s public health response to COVID-19, visit emergencyslo.org.

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