Last Updated: 11/9/2021
Dear Prospective and Returning UCI DCE Students,
Thank you for considering UC Irvine for your Continuing and Professional Education needs. We are excited to welcome you to our campus this Fall as in-person classes resume. We are writing to provide you with information on the University of California (UC) COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. This policy requires all UC students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine so they can physically be on campus this fall to attend classes, live on campus, or work on campus. All students will be required to upload proof of their vaccination through the UCI Student Health Portal, and we wanted to notify you now so you can be prepared.
Under the policy, you must complete your vaccination two weeks prior to the start of your program. If you are coming from a country outside the United States, we strongly recommend that you get your vaccine in your home country at least two weeks prior to your departure date. Additional information for international students is available at the Department of State International Travel and
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at many airports. Visit the UC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy for information.
We are in the process of developing the method for DCE Students to upload their vaccine records or form for exception or deferral on the UCI Student Health Center Patient portal using a UCInetID. We will notify students as soon as the portal is ready for student to upload vaccine records.
Instructions to request a medical, religious, disability or pregnancy exemption, exception or deferral, and the applicable request forms can be found on the UCI Student Health Center (SHC) website. The review of your request may take up to seven (7) business days. Students will receive notification of approval or denial of the request via secure message on the portal.
For questions regarding the exemption process, please send a secure message on the portal to: “Immunization Exemption/Deferral Request Inquiry” and a SHC nurse will respond within 3-5 business days.
Students who are not vaccinated must, at a minimum, wear masks, participate in weekly COVID-19 testing, and may be required to isolate following the final vaccination. Visit UCI’s policy for non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated students for more information. We know this may be particularly difficult for students in short-term programs.
UCI’s Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services team (CTVNS) will also provide assistance to help you find a vaccination appointment in California, and to assist you in the vaccine record upload process. You can reach UCI’s CTVNS at contacttracing@uci.edu or 949-824-2300 for questions and additional information.
Please visit UCI Forward for timely updates on COVID vaccinations, testing, Fall reopening plans, campus safety precautions, and public health advisories. The health, well-being and success of our campus community remain our top priorities as we prepare to welcome you to campus this fall.
Sincerely,
Gary W. Matkin, Ph.D.
Dean, Division of Continuing Education
Vice Provost, Division of Career Pathways
COVID Resources & Updates
Vaccine Eligibility
Any individual residing in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Each state determines priority in terms of eligibility status, but as of June all persons age 12+ are now eligible. We strongly recommend that students get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Students must bring a photo I.D., proof of living in Orange County, and proof of age to their appointment. They do not need to show any immigration documents.
As a reminder, there is no cost to students and they do not need to show proof of insurance. If students need assistance with the vaccine process, please contact our Student Wellness Support Advisor at HealthAndWellness@ce.uci.edu.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Orange County COVID-19 Vaccine Resources website.
Signs & Symptoms
Coronavirus symptoms may include fever, muscle or body aches, sore throat and cough, fatigue, and headaches. Those experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention. (From: UCI Environmental Health & Safety)
Keeping Yourself & Our Community Healthy
Flu and other respiratory illnesses are spread when someone with the illness coughs or sneezes and another person inhales respiratory droplets or touches a surface that has been contaminated by them (such as a desk, doorknob, or keyboard) and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Here are some precautions we encourage you to take so you can stay healthy:
- Wear a face covering when you are not able to maintain at least six (6) feet of physical distance from another individual. Exceptions apply, and for more information about face coverings, refer to the California Department of Public Health Guidance.
- Try to get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
- Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently with soap and water. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it when you cannot wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often.
- Get a flu shot. Flu shots are available by appointment or by walking into the Student Health Center on any campus or from most pharmacies.
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. When you use a tissue, throw it in the trash immediately. Do not use a handkerchief.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Do not share cups, straws, or anything else you put in your mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home and do not travel.
- Participate in contact tracing efforts by responding to outreach from contact tracers and taking other contact tracing actions when asked to do so.
Vaccination Policy for UCI DCE Students
To view the UC-wide policy on COVID-19 vaccinations for students who will be studying on campus beginning Fall 2021, please visit our campus plan page here.
For more information on coronavirus, please visit the resource links in the right-hand column
UCI DCE understands that there are many people in our community who have friends, family, and colleagues who are impacted by this situation. We offer you our support and send good thoughts for the health of those for whom you care.