University of Georgia
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Availability of COVID Booster Vaccines Expanded at UHC

Date:
Posted on
To:
  • UGA Faculty, Staff, and Students
From:
  • Dr. Shelley Nuss, AU/UGA Medical Partnership Campus Dean; Co-chair, Medical Oversight Task Force
  • Jennifer Swails, Interim Executive Director of the University Health Center; Co-chair, Medical Oversight Task Force

On October 20, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorization for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows:

  • The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals:
    • 65 years of age and older
    • 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19
    • 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
  • The use of a single booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine that may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older.
  • The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine.
  • To clarify that a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Beginning Monday, October 25, 2021, UGA faculty, staff, students, retirees, and dependents (18 and over) who have received a complete vaccine series (2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna more than 6 months ago or a single dose of Janssen completed more than 2 months ago) and who meet eligibility requirements outlined by the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control, may schedule appointments at the University Health Center to receive a booster shot. Appointments may be scheduled at patientportal.uhs.uga.edu. Individuals should bring their original vaccine card to the appointment. Vaccination status will be verified on-site.

Boosters are recommended to prolong protective immunity against the COVID-19 virus because experts are beginning to see reduced protection against mild and moderate COVID-19 disease in certain individuals.

Getting the entire UGA community vaccinated remains our top priority and the most effective way to keep everyone safe. We strongly encourage you to get your vaccination series as soon as possible and to wear a mask inside campus facilities and in large gatherings.