I'm on the transplant waiting list. Should I get vaccinated?

UCSF requires patients awaiting lung transplants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We also strongly encourage this for patients awaiting kidney, liver, pancreas and heart transplants. We updated these policies on May 11, 2023, in response to the end of the public health emergency and the availability of highly effective therapies for COVID-19.

As someone who is immunosuppressed, how can I stay safe?

We recommend that patients awaiting organ transplantation follow the recommendations for immunocompromised patients from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Find guidance on how to protect yourself against COVID-19, what to do if you're exposed and what to do if you get sick.

Should I go to the emergency room if I'm sick?

If you're sick, contact your doctor or call our patient hotline at (415) 514-7328 so we can determine the urgency of your situation. If you think you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

What are the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?

The symptoms of COVID-19 infections can range from very mild to severe, and some people have no symptoms at all. They can appear in as few as two days up to 14 days after exposure. Explore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 symptom checklist to get a better idea of what your next steps should be if you are feeling ill.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

UCSF patients can call our COVID-19 hotline at (415) 514-7328. A nurse will ask about your symptoms and exposures before scheduling an appropriate visit or test. If you're a patient at the UCSF Cancer Center, contact them for specific instructions before calling the hotline or scheduling in MyChart. If you're a UCSF patient and have symptoms of COVID-19, we're committed to helping you get tested within 48 hours. In the meantime, explore the CDC's guidance on what to do if you were exposed to COVID-19 and what to do if you test positive . If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you might have or are being evaluated for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Information for Patients & Visitors

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Masks are no longer required in most UCSF facilities, but we still strongly recommend wearing one inside any medical building.

COVID-19 vaccines & testing

Vaccine updates

Find out who is eligible to be vaccinated and how to schedule an appointment.

Do you need a COVID-19 test?

Get details on how to request a test, including how to access your results.

Visitor policies

Visitor restrictions

Learn the latest rules and restrictions for visiting both inpatients and outpatients at UCSF.

Experience safe care during COVID-19

Telehealth: Video Doctor Visits and More

Here’s how to take advantage of virtual health care options.

Appointments During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Learn which medical services are available during the COVID-19 pandemic, plus how we protect your health during your visit to UCSF.

4 Ways We’re Keeping You Safe During COVID-19

See the precautions we’ve put in place to protect you.

What patients should know

COVID-19 Medicines That Can Help

If you're at high risk of becoming severely ill from a COVID-19 infection, UCSF has several medications that can lower this risk. Learn more.

FAQ: COVID-19 and Pregnant Patients

If you or one of your loved ones is a UCSF pregnant patient, get answers here to important questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to minimize your risk of infection.

Responses to frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?
The symptoms of COVID-19 infections can range from very mild to severe, and some people have no symptoms at all. They can appear in as few as two days up to 14 days after exposure. Explore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 symptom checklist to get a better idea of what your next steps should be if you are feeling ill.
What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
UCSF patients can call our COVID-19 hotline at (415) 514-7328. A nurse will ask about your symptoms and exposures before scheduling an appropriate visit or test.

If you're a patient at the UCSF Cancer Center, contact them for specific instructions before calling the hotline or scheduling in MyChart.

If you're a UCSF patient and have symptoms of COVID-19, we're committed to helping you get tested within 48 hours. In the meantime, explore the CDC's guidance on what to do if you were exposed to COVID-19 and what to do if you test positive.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify the dispatch personnel that you might have or are being evaluated for COVID-19.
Should I go to the emergency room if I'm sick?
If you're sick, contact your doctor or call our patient hotline at (415) 514-7328 so we can determine the urgency of your situation. If you think you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
I'm on the transplant waiting list. Should I get vaccinated?
UCSF requires patients awaiting lung transplants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We also strongly encourage this for patients awaiting kidney, liver, pancreas and heart transplants. We updated these policies on May 11, 2023, in response to the end of the public health emergency and the availability of highly effective therapies for COVID-19.
As someone who is immunosuppressed, how can I stay safe?
We recommend that patients awaiting organ transplantation follow the recommendations for immunocompromised patients from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Find guidance on how to protect yourself against COVID-19, what to do if you're exposed and what to do if you get sick.