UI officials confirmed an agreement was reached with two unions who asked them to halt a mandatory flu vaccination program.

The UI Hospitals and Clinics will continue with the program and start vaccinating all faculty, staff, students, and volunteers on Friday.

Under the agreement, members of two unions — Service Employees International Union Local 199 and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 61 — will not face disciplinary action if they refuse a flu shot for personal reasons.

All other employees will still be subject to the disciplinary policy, though anyone can refuse for religious or medical reasons.

The change is temporary, hospital officials said, and an arbitrator will likely resolve the issue by early November.

— by Regina Zilbermints