U of A Employees Eligible for Pfizer Boosters: October 7, 2021
A Message from Dr. Huda Sharaf, PWHC Medical Director
October 7, 2021
As you likely heard by now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) have authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for certain populations who were initially vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Emerging evidence and data have shown vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections can decrease over time — this is not uncommon or any indication the vaccine isn’t working. This lower effectiveness is likely a combination of decreasing protection as time passes since getting vaccinated, as well as the greater infectiousness and transmissibility of the Delta variant.
In fact, vaccine boosters are often recommended to prolong your protective immunity. With regard to the COVID-19 vaccine, the same is true.
PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATION CLINIC
In partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care (AFMC), Pat Walker Health Center is sponsoring a Pfizer Vaccine Booster Clinic in the Arkansas Union for eligible individuals – including U of A employees (see eligibility information below).
DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021
TIME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
LOCATION: Arkansas Union – Connections Lounge
Please complete Vaccine Consent Form
First and second doses will also be available at the clinic for those looking to start the Pfizer vaccine series.
No appointment is necessary and the vaccine will be provided free of charge, however please bring your health insurance card (if available), as well as your COVID-19 vaccine card if requesting a second dose or booster dose.
PFIZER VACCINE BOOSTER ELIGIBILITY
The ADH verified that people aged 18 and older, who work in higher education (and received the Pfizer vaccine), are considered eligible for a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Additionally, individuals 65 years of age and older are also eligible, regardless of occupation.
IMPORTANT: The FDA and CDC have not yet authorized boosters for recipients of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or those who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
STAY PROTECTED — GET YOUR BOOSTER SHOT
The availability of Pfizer booster shots adds yet another layer of protection in our on-going efforts to prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19. For those who received the Pfizer vaccine series (and it has been at least six months since your second dose), I strongly urge you to get your booster shot.
Pat Walker Health Center continues to administer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment and can be scheduled online at myhealth.uark.edu or by calling 479-575-4451, option 1.
We all play an important role in protecting ourselves and each other. We can continue to establish a safe learning and working environment with decreased COVID-19 infections and transmission for our community.
Thank you and take care,
Dr. Huda Sharaf, FACP
Medical Director for Pat Walker Health Center
Division of Student Affairs | University of Arkansas