December 2, 2021

While there are no known cases caused by the Omicron variant in San Diego County at this time, epidemiologists fully expect to see Omicron appear in San Diego soon. UC San Diego’s expert epidemiologists and UC San Diego Health’s physician scientists are keeping a close watch on developments with the new variant and will advise if changes in our campus, hospital and clinical safety procedures are warranted. Our immediate goal is to ramp up vaccinations and boosters as vigorously as possible. Do not wait for an Omicron-specific vaccine or booster.

You are eligible for a COVID-19 booster if it has been…

Students and campus employees | make a vaccination or booster appointment
Health employees | make a vaccination or booster appointment

Tritons, it’s time to level up your COVID-19 protection with a booster shot before the holidays. Our goal is to have 10,000 students get their COVID-19 vaccine booster by Dec. 31. Meeting that goal means the Basic Needs Hub will receive a $50,000 donation from Chancellor Khosla to support food security, housing resources and financial wellness for all Tritons. Students can also upload their vaccination info if received from another provider.

Answer: On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron. On November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. CDC has been actively monitoring and preparing for this variant, and continues to work diligently with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more. 

The California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22, 2021. The individual had mild symptoms that are improving, is self-quarantining and has been since testing positive. Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States. Read the full CDC statement.

Answer: According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines do not create or cause variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. New variants happen because the virus that causes COVID-19 constantly changes through a natural ongoing process of mutation. Even before the COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, there were several variants of the virus. COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent new variants from emerging by reducing the spread.

Answer: All UC San Diego employees and students are required to submit an attestation that they have received a flu vaccine or affirmatively decline influenza vaccination as soon as possible. Campus community members who decline to receive the flu vaccine will be required to wear masks or face coverings at UC locations through the end of the flu season even if COVID-19 requirements are loosened. Make a flu vaccination appointment. 

If you have specific questions or would like to submit feedback about the Return to Learn program, please email rtl@ucsd.edu.