Booster Vaccines Available

October 5, 2021

Dear Tulane Community:

Recently, the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health approved recommendations for a third COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for those who have completed the initial Pfizer vaccine series. The Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines have not been authorized for an additional dose yet. Many in the Tulane community meet one or more of the criteria for receiving a third Pfizer vaccine.

As a service to those faculty, students and staff eligible to receive a Pfizer booster, Tulane has reopened its Vaccine Clinic in the lobby of the JBJ building, 1324 Tulane Avenue. TO RECEIVE YOUR THIRD DOSE, YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR CDC VACCINE CARD OR LA WALLET APP. DUPLICATE VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE CREATED AT THE CLINIC.  

To make an appointment to receive your booster vaccine, please use this link and choose "Third Dose" for the appointment reason. The consent form must also be completed, signed and brought to your scheduled appointment. Individuals should also bring their vaccine card for verification.  If you should have any questions, please email covidvaccine@tulane.edu. Family and friends of Tulane employee can also request a booster appointment by sending their name and phone number to covidvaccine@tulane.edu. A representative will call individuals back to schedule their appointment. Pfizer booster vaccines are also available at many area pharmacies.

Please Note: Vaccination status does not preclude Tulane University COVID-19 testing requirements.  All individuals on campus, regardless of vaccination status are required to complete COVID testing when they receive their QR code.

The categories of individuals eligible for a Pfizer booster are listed below.

• People 65 years and older and residents in long-term health care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
   
• People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.*
   
• People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.*
   
• People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.

The list of underlying medical conditions includes:

• HIV and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to other illnesses or medication, including cancer
• People with autoimmune conditions or who previously had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or Bell’s palsy
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Chronic lung diseases, including COPD, moderate to severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
• Neurological conditions, including dementia
• Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions such as heart failure, CAD, cardiomyopathies or hypertension
• Liver disease
• Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy and recently pregnant
• Sickle Cell disease or thalassemia
• Smoking, current or former
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
• Substance use disorders

Individuals who are unsure if they should get a booster, should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition and ask whether getting an additional vaccine dose is appropriate for them.