Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots Available for Employees; Appointments Now Available at PWHC

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose for individuals meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Health confirmed individuals who work at institutions of higher education are eligible for a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine if they have previously completed a two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccination series and it has been at least six months since their second dose.

The ADH verified that people aged 18-64 years of age, who work in higher education, are considered eligible for a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine because they have an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting.

APPOINTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR BOOSTER

Pat Walker Health Center is now offering appointments for booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for eligible members of the U of A community.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled online at myhealth.uark.edu, or by calling 479-575-4451, option 1. Individuals should bring their original vaccine card to the appointment.

Although not required, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is strongly recommended. The vaccine will not only help protect you against COVID-19 but also help prevent serious illness if you do contract the virus that causes COVID-19.

PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINE ELIGIBILITY

The following populations are eligible to receive the Pfizer booster shot at least six months after receiving their second dose:

• Individuals 65 years of age and older

• Individuals 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19

• Individuals aged 18-64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting.

Those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines are not eligible to receive a Pfizer booster dose at this time, per CDC guidance. Vaccination status will be verified on site.

Occupations determined to be at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front-line essential workers and health care workers as previously defined by the CDC. This includes:

• First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
• Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
• Food and agriculture workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Corrections workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Public transit workers
• Grocery store workers

If you are not sure whether you fit into any of these categories, please contact your medical provider or PWHC — 479-575-4451.

Flu vaccines are now available. Schedule your appointment online at myhealth.uark.edu.

At this time, there are no large-scale mass vaccination clinics currently scheduled on campus; however, COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are readily available at Pat Walker Health Center and in our local community. Find a vaccine clinic in the community.