Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Students and employees of Santa Monica College are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before accessing SMC facilities and classrooms.

Vaccines and Boosters are still recommended for your own safety as well as for the safety of others.

You can obtain a vaccine at SMC and across Los Angeles County at no cost.

For vaccine options, visit Vaccines.

No, vaccinations are free in the United States, regardless of immigration or health insurance status.

Employees will have to use their own paid leave benefits (i.e. Sick Leave and/or Vacation). This information is subject to change if there are any agreements between the District and the respective unions and/or if there are any changes to Federal, State, or Local laws mandating paid leave requirements.

For more information, visit Time Off Work and the current MOUs for leave related to COVID-19 and Vaccination.

Yes, you can get vaccinated as long as you are not isolating anymore, do not experience symptoms anymore, and have been medically cleared by a doctor after having COVID-19.

You do not need to wait until 90 days after your diagnosis.  

The college wants to provide a safe and healthy place for the SMC community. 

SMC follows public health guidance and legal requirements for COVID-19. 

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, and the Los Angeles County Public Health Officer, COVID-19 continues to pose a risk, especially to individuals who are not fully vaccinated, and certain safety measures are needed to protect against COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. 
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission and limit COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths.