October 6, 2021

At American University, we remain focused on COVID-19 health and safety measures, which have helped to safeguard our community. We have heard from many of you about interest in getting COVID-19 booster shots. I want to share the latest information on booster shots and how we will support the AU community as this process moves forward.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued guidance following the September 22 decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for certain populations. The CDC now recommends:

• people 65 years and older 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 to 64 with certain 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 18 to 49 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain 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; and 
• 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.

This guidance means that eligible members of our community may begin to receive their booster shots if they originally received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and who received their second dose at least six months ago or before mid-April.

American University worked with Walgreens at 3301 New Mexico Avenue NW to offer AU community members (faculty, staff, and students) the opportunity to receive the Pfizer vaccine booster. For the next three weeks, Walgreens will provide booster shots for AU community members only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. and on Sunday, October 24, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. NO appointment is needed, you may walk in and receive the booster starting this Thursday, October 7, 2021. Please bring with you:

1. Government issued ID
2. Health insurance card
3. Original COVID vaccination card 
4. Completed consent form for Walgreens (attached) 

If you have questions about booster shots, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss your options. You can visit vaccines.gov to identify all locations where you can receive the booster shot. Anyone eligible for a booster shot can receive it at a variety of locations, including pharmacies and health care providers.  

As information becomes available about Moderna or Johnson and Johnson booster shots, we will provide updates. 

Thank you for your continued support for our community’s health and safety.

Sincerely,
Fanta Aw
Vice President of Campus Life & Inclusive Excellence