Novel coronavirus information

September 2, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine boosters available at UW Medicine (Message to UW Medicine patients)

To Our Valued Patients:

UW Medicine will begin providing the newly authorized COVID-19  booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna next week. The new boosters target both the original strain of the virus and the newer omicron subvariants, including BA.4 and BA.5.

Both boosters were authorized for use this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The updated Pfizer booster is available to people ages 12 and older who have:

  • Completed their COVID-19 primary series vaccination at least two months ago; or
  • Received their last booster/additional dose at least two months ago.

The updated Moderna booster is available to people ages 18 and older meeting the same criteria.

Children ages 5 to 11 are not eligible at this time for either of the new boosters but may receive the original Pfizer booster if they also received the Pfizer vaccine as their primary series. No COVID-19 boosters are currently recommended by the CDC for children ages 6 months to 4 years.

Schedule your updated booster starting Wednesday, Sept. 7

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7, you may schedule your new booster by calling 844.520.8700 and joining our waitlist. You will receive a call or text message when it is your turn to book an appointment.

Please note updated booster supplies may be limited to start, and we cannot guarantee which of the vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) will be available at your appointment. As a reminder, you can receive either vaccine regardless of the vaccine/booster you previously received. We will add more appointments as supplies increase.

Appointments will be available at our high-volume vaccination sites at UW Medical Center – Montlake, UW Medical Center – Northwest, and Harborview Medical Center.

Boosters are a safe and effective way of reducing the risk of serious COVID-19 illness, including hospitalization and death. With fall approaching and another potential surge, UW Medicine continues to follow CDC and FDA guidance in recommending boosters for all who are eligible. For more information, visit UW Medicine COVID-19 Updates & Information or contact your primary healthcare team.

Sincerely,

Timothy H. Dellit, MD
Interim CEO, UW Medicine
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Interim Dean of the School of Medicine,
University of Washington

Lisa Brandenburg
President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics
Vice President for Medical Affairs
University of Washington