COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements

COVID test image

Frequently asked questions for employees about the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

UC COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Requirements

As of July 15, the University of California released a final COVID-19 vaccine policy. What this means for staff and faculty:

  • The effective date for policy compliance was Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, two weeks before the UC Berkeley fall term begins.

  • Those with approved exemptions or accommodations may return to campus with the requirement that they remain masked in all public settings and comply with the campus testing plan, which at a minimum will be weekly. 

  • Those that are in the process of getting their vaccination or not yet fully vaccinated may return to campus with the requirement that they remain masked in all public settings and comply with the campus testing plan, which at a minimum will be weekly until they are considered fully vaccinated (14 days after final vaccine dose). Some building access may be restricted.

  • If you received the vaccine at an off-campus vaccination site, you will need to upload a record of your vaccination to the secure eTang portal as soon as you have received your last dose and have a complete vaccination card. If you were vaccinated on campus, no further action is required.

Latest Face Covering Guidance

Exemption Forms and Process

The policy allows for exceptions to COVID-19 vaccination based on a Medical Exemption, Disability Accommodation, or Religious Objection; pregnant individuals may also request a deferral if they wish for the duration of the pregnancy. Those that receive a vaccine mandate exception (for medical or religious reasons) will need to wear a face-covering inside campus buildings and will need to be tested at least once per week.

The forms and processes below are for staff and faculty:

Medical Exemption

To request a Medical Exemption use this form :
Medical Exemption Request Form - Faculty and Staff

  • Once your medical provider has completed and signed the document, you need to upload it to eTang in the Downloadable Forms section.
  • Medical exemption requests will be evaluated individually by the UHS Medical Director and approved exemptions will be processed to update compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine policy.
  • A list of established medical contraindications to vaccination can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for Guide to Contraindications.


Religious Belief Objection

  • To request a Religious Belief Objection, use this UC Berkeley Religious Belief Objection Form.

  • Requests will be reviewed and it may take a few days for your compliance status to be updated. You will be contacted if additional information is needed.