Based on the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), UW Medicine is now providing boosters to eligible employees who are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine (see eligibility below). This additional shot will help extend the vaccine’s effectiveness and maximize your protection from COVID-19 infection. Eligible Pfizer vaccine recipients may receive the booster at least six months after the second dose was given.
Employee booster eligibility
Currently, UW Medicine is scheduling appointments for boosters of the Pfizer vaccine for the following individuals who completed their initial Pfizer vaccine series at least six months previously:
- Age 65 and older
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Ages 18-64 with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, including healthcare workers
We appreciate your patience as we follow CDC guidance and start by providing boosters to those at greatest risk for severe disease or exposure to COVID-19.
Employee booster scheduling
To schedule a booster, employees should visit the scheduling portal. Appointments are available at UWMC – Montlake, UWMC – Northwest, Harborview Medical Center, Valley Medical Center, the North King County Vaccination clinic in Shoreline and UW Medicine primary care clinics. We also continue to provide first and second vaccine doses, as well as third doses for eligible immunocompromised individuals, at these locations.
Note: Traveling nurses should not use the above registration link to schedule a booster. Rather, they should speak with a staff member at their preferred vaccination site to ensure they are identified, scheduled and documented appropriately.
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters not yet approved
The CDC has not yet recommended a booster for those who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. We will keep you informed when these guidelines are available. Please note, also, that UW Medicine will be following the current CDC recommendation that people should not mix COVID-19 vaccines, including for boosters.
For more detailed information and questions about boosters, visit UW Medicine COVID-19 Updates & Information. If you have any questions about whether a booster is appropriate for you, please reach out to your provider.
We appreciate your cooperation and support as we learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and work together to ensure the health and safety of UW Medicine employees, patients and visitors.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brandenburg
President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Vice President for Medical Affairs
University of Washington
Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Chief Medical Officer, UW Medicine
Vice President for Medical Affairs,
University of Washington and
President, UW Physicians
