U.Va. Health will offer booster and third doses of COVID-19 vaccines beginning Oct. 18 in accordance with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health System announced Friday.
Both third and booster shots will be available by appointment only at the second floor of the Education Resource Center located across U.Va. Medical Center and three outpatient clinics — U.Va. Pantops Pharmacy in Albemarle County, U.Va. Medical Park Zion Crossroads in Gordonsville and U.Va. Augusta Pharmacy in Fishersville. All locations will also offer first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Currently, booster shots — which are intended to maintain vaccine efficacy in the face of new strains — have only been approved for the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. Individuals aged 65 years and older who have completed the initial two-shot sequence of the vaccine at least six months ago are eligible for a booster shot. Those 18 years of age and older who have underlying medical conditions, live or work in high-risk settings or live in long-term care are also eligible.
Third doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are available for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who may not have developed a strong enough response to the initial two-shot sequence of doses. Individuals eligible for a third dose include those undergoing active cancer treatment for tumors or blood cancers, those who have received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system and those with advanced or untreated HIV infection. Those meeting the criteria for a third dose can receive an additional dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days after receiving their second dose.
No booster shot has yet been approved for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Everyone who has previously received a COVID-19 vaccine dose can locate their vaccination record online and should bring their record to the appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 434-297-4829 or registering through U.Va. Health MyChart.
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