The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is mandating influenza vaccination for all of its employees, volunteers, non-employees, and students, similar to other required vaccinations such as MMR. Each request for exemption, regardless of the reason, is evaluated individually by Student Employee Health Services and, if needed, the Office of Human Resources.
Medical and Religious Exemption
All exemptions, whether Religious or Medical, require an annual resubmission. Each request will be reviewed by Student and Employee Health Services (SEHS), and additional instructions will be provided to the individual and their supervisor via MyChart Notifications to be uploaded to MyChart if the exemption is approved. Medical exemption requests must be fully completed and signed by your medical healthcare provider each year. More information about the flu vaccine and the student and employee flu shot schedule is available in the UAMS Announcements via UAMS email and on the UAMS intranet.
Masks for Approved Exemptions
All individuals with an approved Religious or Medical exemption are required to wear a mask on UAMS properties. For exemption from the Influenza vaccine, masks are required throughout the flu season, which is determined by the Arkansas Department of Health.
An announcement regarding the end of the current year’s flu season will be provided in the UAMS Announcements via UAMS email. Departments and colleges may order masks from Medline for those who have an approved exemption. The supply number for a box of 50 masks is NON27122Z-Mask, Face: Isolation Mask with ear loops.
Who Are Non-employees?
Non-employees are defined as non-UAMS workers, contractors, visiting students, visiting faculty, pharmaceutical representatives, traveling nurses, locum tenens physicians, custodians, and employees of businesses who work on a UAMS campus.