Thursday, October 28, 2021

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine boosters for certain individuals. This is an expansion of authorization to include Moderna and J&J. 

Faculty and staff

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

For Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine recipients: 

  • People who received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine, are 18 or older, and were vaccinated two or more months ago should receive a booster. 
  • Because the University Employee Health Clinic did not administer the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine to employees, it will not offer boosters to employees however the J&J vaccine is widely available through community pharmacies. 

Employees are eligible to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 booster at the University Employee Health Clinic if they meet both of these criteria:  

  1. Received both initial doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months before the date on which they will receive their booster.  
  2. Received an email from the University Employee Health Clinic alerting them it is time to schedule their booster.  

Employees also can schedule their COVID-19 booster in MyChart or online. You will be asked a series of questions to schedule and will need to provide your vaccination card at time of receiving the booster. 

The University of Iowa is offering boosters to all eligible employees. If you can get your booster sooner at an approved location, such as a local pharmacy, you are encouraged to do so. 

For more information on the newer authorizations that include Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), specifically for employees please visit https://medcom.uiowa.edu/theloop/news/moderna-and-johnson-johnson-janssen-covid-19-vaccines-added-to-employee-booster-program 

For more information for all patients, please head to: https://uihc.org/health-topics/what-do-i-need-know-about-covid-19-vaccine-boosters.

Students

Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna

Students are eligible to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 booster at the UI Student Health if they received both initial doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months before the date on which they will receive their booster.  

To schedule a vaccine appointment in the Westlawn Clinic, call 319-335-8394. Students also can receive a Pfizer booster by walking in to the IMU Nurse Care Clinic, located in G-103 IMU, in the lower level by the Java House. Moderna boosters will be available by appointment at Westlawn and the IMU Nurse Care Clinic (walk-in) on Fridays only.

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)

Students are eligible to receive a Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine booster if they are 18 or older and received their initial vaccination two or more months ago. However, the J&J booster is not available at Student Health. Students who want to receive this booster should do so at a local pharmacy or from their health care provider.

Please note that according to the CDC, individuals who received their original dose of the J&J vaccine can get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as their booster, if they choose.

Not yet vaccinated? You can still do so

Students who haven’t yet received a COVID-19 vaccine still can do so. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccines are available at IMU Nurse Care Clinic, located in G-103 IMU, during normal business hours. You can also schedule an appointment by calling UI Student Health at 319-335-8394.

You should still get vaccinated even if you’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered from it. The natural immunity you receive after having COVID-19 is enhanced by a COVID-19 vaccine.  

Get your flu vaccination, too

Students also should be aware that a flu vaccination can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 booster.