Vaccinate the Dean: Pharmacists Keep the Focus on Prevention

At the school’s annual Vaccinate the Dean event, Dean Kathy Giacomini, PhD, BSPharm, received her flu shot from a second-year PharmD student, calling attention to the pharmacist’s role in safeguarding public health. 

“Pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted health professionals,” said Giacomini. “That trust matters more than ever, as we help patients and communities make informed decisions about preventing illness. While national debates continue, the science is clear: Vaccination saves lives.” 

Community outreach for future pharmacists 

The event was led by Andrew Vuong, vice president of policy for the UCSF chapters of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists-California Pharmacists Association. As has become the event’s tradition, it came with a proclamation signed by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to recognize October as American Pharmacists Month.  

Vuong was joined by second-year PharmD classmates Michael Cudal, Amy Hwang, and Karen Ke. Department of Clinical Pharmacy Associate Professors Tram Cat, PhD, and Crystal Zhou, PharmD, also rolled up their sleeves to be vaccinated alongside the dean. 

“Vaccinate the Dean is a unique opportunity for student pharmacists to immunize our dean and faculty members, highlighting the essential role of pharmacists in vaccinations and our impact on promoting public health,” said Vuong. “It’s both a celebration of our profession and a call to raise awareness of the value pharmacists bring to every community.” 

Vaccination guidance for the UCSF community 

Last month, the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington announced they will launch a new West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate public health guidelines and align with science-based recommendations informed by national medical organizations. UCSF continues to align with University of California policy and local public health requirements: 

Flu vaccinations are due by Friday, Nov. 1, 2025, for all faculty, staff, learners, and volunteers working in UCSF Health facilities, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, and UCSF Fresno. 

Vaccines are available through UCSF Health Flu Clinics through Oct. 23, 2025, as well as at Occupational Health Services (OHS) locations. UCSF employees must submit documentation or declination via the UCSF Health Digital Screener.

County public health authorities require the vaccine for health care workers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected later this fall. 

A trusted role in prevention 

Even as debates about mandates and federal guidance make headlines, UCSF pharmacists remain focused on prevention. 

“Flu and COVID-19 continue to pose serious health risks, especially to older adults, immunocompromised patients, and others who are vulnerable,” said UCSF Health Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler, MD, in his annual message to the UCSF community. “Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce sick days and keep our communities strong.”