Last week, U.S. health officials expanded the recommendations for COVID-19 booster doses to include guidance for individuals who initially received either the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine. The booster recommendations — which began with extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine last month — marks a big step toward continued protection against COVID-19 disease and serious complications.

Additionally, officials announced eligible individuals can choose which COVID-19 vaccine they receive as a booster dose as CDC's recommendations now allows for mix and match dosing for booster shots.

ON-CAMPUS COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS

With the latest guidance, Pat Walker Health Center is now scheduling booster dose appointments for U of A employees and other eligible members of the U of A community. The health center offers the Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines.

Appointments are required and can be scheduled:

• Online at myhealth.uark.edu or

• By calling 479-575-4451, option 1.

Although not required, the university strongly recommends getting vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as receiving a booster dose once eligible. 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, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine because they have an increased risk for exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting.

PFIZER/MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER ELIGIBILITY

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following are eligible for a booster dose at six months or more after their initial series:

• University employees

• 65 years and older

• Age 18-plus who live in long-term care settings

• Age 18-plus who have underlying medical conditions

• Age 18-plus who work* or live in high-risk settings

Please note: If you are immunocompromised and already received a third dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, you do NOT need a booster dose. You are considered fully immunized for COVID-19.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE BOOSTER ELIGIBILITY

Individuals who received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine as their primary vaccination are eligible for a booster dose if they are:

• University employees

• 18 years of age or older AND

• Has been at least two months since receiving the primary vaccination

** Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose as CDC's recommendations now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots.

STAY PROTECTED — GET YOUR BOOSTER SHOT

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging. The availability of booster shots adds yet another layer of protection in our on-going efforts to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19.

All three of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized in the United States continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant.