COVID-19 Vaccine

Flu Shots

Flu shots are available to the entire campus community, including students, staff and faculty. You can get a flu shot the same time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are available to Cal Poly employees and their families. 

Students needing a COVID-19 vaccine (primary vaccine series) should make an appointment at Campus Health and Wellbeing so that an immediate record of their vaccination is recorded.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available to employees. Rite Aid will be able to offer first and second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 years old (second doses are available to children who received a first dose at least 21 days prior). Complete the consent form (PDF) in advance to expedite the process.

Boosters

Booster shots are available to the entire campus community, including students and employees. Rite Aid will also offer Pfizer and Moderna booster shots to individuals 18 and older who have received the original two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and completed their primary series at least six months ago, or received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago.

Students who receive a booster shot should not upload it to the COVID-19 Info tab of the Cal Poly Portal at this time. 

The J&J vaccine will not be available at this clinic. However, eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. The CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix-and-match dosing for booster shots only.

Make an Appointment

Only walk-ins will be accepted for the Dec. 3 clinic. Specific codes for the future dates will be added when available. Complete the consent form (PDF) in advance to speed the process.

What to Bring

For Vaccines

For the COVID-19 vaccine, bring a photo ID, your insurance card and your vaccination card if getting your second dose or booster shot. You can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you do not have insurance or a photo ID (confirmation of age is required for booster shots, however). Children do not need to show a photo ID but must be accompanied by parent/guardian, who would sign the consent form. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is free.

For Flu Vaccine

For the flu vaccine, bring your insurance card (most insurance companies cover the flu shot). You can get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.

Consent Form

To speed the process, fill out the vaccine consent form (PDF) ahead of time and bring it with you. Copies will also be provided at the clinic.

About the Student Vaccination Requirement

Currently enrolled students must record their COVID-19 vaccination status or declare a medical or religious exemption.

All students, staff, faculty must comply with the California State University's (CSU) policy. The policy will go into effect whether the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the vaccines for all uses, or continues with the current emergency-use authorizations.

Students are required to complete ongoing testing until they are fully vaccinated (14 days after their second vaccination for Pfizer or Moderna or 14 days after their Johnson and Johnson vaccination). An email is sent to students who are required to complete ongoing testing once they are considered fully vaccinated and are no longer part of the required-testing group.

Get more information on the CSU's COVID-19 vaccination requirement.

Uploading Vaccination Records

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. Cal Poly will also accept COVID-19 vaccinations that are recognized by the World Health Organization. Uploading records will satisfy the CSU’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Note: Students who receive a booster shot should not upload that record to the COVID-19 Info tab at this time. Only upload a record of your primary vaccination series.

• How to upload: Students can upload their vaccination records through the Cal Poly Portal or the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Declaration once they have received their final dose. 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 but will need to confirm their information in the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Declaration system.
• Lost your card? Contact the Public Health Department in the county in which you received your vaccination to request a copy.

   

Why is the CSU implementing this requirement?

The CSU announced the vaccine requirement in July due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases from the spread of the highly infectious Delta variant. Announcing the requirement in July allows members of the Cal Poly community to as we head into fall term.

On Aug. 23, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine will now be marketed as Comirnaty.

Who is required to comply with this requirement?

All faculty, staff and enrolled students accessing any campus facilities are required to be immunized against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

What do students need to do and by when?

All enrolled students must record their vaccination status or submit a religious or medical exemption in the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Declaration. Students can also access their vaccination status declaration on the “COVID-19 Info” tab in your student portal.

What are the sanctions for students who fail to comply?

Any student who does not comply may be denied access to university facilities and/or programs (on- or off-campus), which includes in-person classes and off-campus internships or clinical experiences. If the health and safety of members of the campus community are jeopardized, students may be subject to the university’s student discipline process. Details about this will be announced in early September.

What about people with vaccination exemptions?

Students who are not fully vaccinated, including those who claim a religious or medical exemption, may be required to participate in ongoing COVID-19 testing throughout the academic year, wear face coverings in all indoor settings, including residence halls. Details will be shared with students by early September and may be subject to changes throughout the academic year. Please note that depending on public health conditions and vaccination rates, participation in some campus activities may require vaccinations.

How do I change or update my status?

If your status changes, you can update your information.

Which vaccines are accepted?

The FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine (two doses) on Aug. 23 for people 16 and older. The Moderna (two doses) and Johnson Johnson (one dose) vaccines remain available under an emergency use authorization. Cal Poly will also accept COVID-19 vaccinations that are recognized by the World Health Organization.

When is someone considered fully vaccinated?

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their last dose of vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine regimens require a gap of three and four weeks respectively between doses, and recipients become fully vaccinated two weeks later.

Are vaccinations required if I’ve already tested positive for COVID-19?

Yes, you will still need to get vaccinated. The university policy does not allow for exemptions for those who have had COVID-19, and public health officials recommend vaccination for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.

Will the CSU also require proof of boosters?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the CSU will continue to review the guidance from local, state, federal and global health agencies and revise the policy as needed based on the goal of maintaining the health and well-being of all members of the campus community.

Uploading Your Vaccination Status

Employees must enter their vaccination status on their Cal Poly Portal.

Choose the COVID-19 Info tab on the Cal Poly Portal to submit your vaccination status. Employees who are employed by more than one campus entities must submit their status to each employer. Employees who are not yet fully vaccinated must wait until after they are fully vaccinated to access the Cal Poly Portal and submit vaccination information.

Which vaccines are accepted?

The FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine (two doses) on Aug. 23 for people 16 and older. The Moderna (two doses) and Johnson & Johnson (one dose) vaccines remain available under an emergency use authorization. Cal Poly will also accept COVID-19 vaccinations that are recognized by the World Health Organization.

When is someone considered fully vaccinated?

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their last dose of vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine regimens require a gap of three and four weeks respectively between doses, and recipients become fully vaccinated two weeks later.

Do I still need a vaccination if I’ve already tested positive for COVID?

Yes, you will still need to get vaccinated. The university policy does not allow for exemptions for those who have had COVID-19, and public health officials recommend vaccination for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19.

will the new CSU require proof of boosters?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and the CSU will continue to review the guidance from local, state, federal and global health agencies and revise the policy as needed based on the goal of maintaining the health and well-being of all members of the campus community.

Will visitors or contractors be required to get vaccinated?

Contractors who access campus are asked to ensure their employees comply with this policy prior to accessing campus. Visitors are required to comply with other safety measures such as wearing face coverings indoors.

Local Vaccine Appointments

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are free and don't require information about the recipient's immigration status. Do you live outside of SLO County? Find your community’s COVID-19 page

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

Check Uber and Lyft for current vaccination ride promotions. Individuals can request rides through these respective apps, though these programs are not associated with or administered by Cal Poly.

Facts About the Vaccines

On Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine for people 16 and older. Two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for emergency use, from Johnson and Johnson and Moderna. Explore up-to-date information from reliable sources, including those listed here:

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has information on the benefits of vaccination, understanding different COVID-19 vaccines, the safety of the vaccines, allergies and frequently asked questions
• San Luis Obispo County's Public Health Department has answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines
• NAACP SLO County and R.A.C.E. Matters SLO hosted a Community Conversation about Vaccines to discuss vaccine facts and factors to consider when deciding to get vaccinated
• On August 12, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the emergency use authorization for both mRNA vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, to allow boosters doses of vaccine for immunocompromised individuals with specific conditions. See the California Department of Public Health's Q&A on booster shots and the SLO County Public Health Department's guidance on making an appointment.

Continue to Do Your Part

As we begin fall quarter, everyone in the Cal Poly community can recommit to the measures that protect our health and wellbeing.

Vaccination

All faculty staff and students on campus must vaccinate or claim an exemption.

Face Coverings

Everyone — including visitors — are required to wear a mask indoors on campus, except when doing so would be unsafe or impractical, or while alone in a private residence or office. Instructional faculty who are vaccinated may choose to wear a face shield and drape while teaching.

Testing

Free, on-campus testing will be available for unvaccinated, asymptomatic students, faculty, and staff beginning early September. 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.

Hygiene

Continue following good pandemic hygiene, including regularly washing or sanitizing hands and wearing personal protective equipment as appropriate.

Get more information on San Luis Obispo County’s public health response to COVID-19.