Novel coronavirus information

November 3, 2021

FAQ: Are you eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?

As autumn quarter continues, we’re highlighting some of the questions and answers in the COVID-19 frequently asked questions of greatest interest to the community.

Note: On Nov. 19, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention authorized booster shots for anyone 18 and over, superseding the eligibility details below.

COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for many individuals, including members of the UW community.

Does your job qualify you for a booster shot?

UW personnel and student workers in the jobs or settings listed below are eligible for a booster shot. This is not an exhaustive list. For more detailed information about booster shot eligibility and to find answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the CDC and Washington State Department of Health booster shot pages.

  • UW personnel and students who work in health care/patient care settings, including:
      • UW Medicine medical facilities
      • School of Dentistry
      • Hall Health Center
      • Center on Human Development and Disability
      • Speech and Hearing Clinic
    • Clinical research settings
    • Mental healthcare and counseling settings
  • UWPD and UW security staff
  • Staff in UW residence halls
  • UW personnel and students who work in education settings, such as teaching, support staff and daycare workers
  • Food and agriculture workers including HFS personnel
  • UW Mailing Services staff
  • UW Shuttle drivers

To schedule a vaccination appointment, visit the Vaccinate WA Vaccine Locator.

Booster shot eligibility for other populations

  • If you are 18 or older and received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, you should get a booster shot at least 2 months after your first dose.
  • If you received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and are in any of the following groups, you should get a booster shot at least 6 months after completing the second dose of your 2-shot series: