The US is experiencing yet another COVID-19 surge thanks to a new variant, BA.2.12.1, and the best way to reduce your risk of hospitalization and severe complications is to get vaccinated and boosted.  Those who remain unvaccinated should consider starting the vaccine primary series, and those who are eligible for boosters should get them now and not wait.

1. All people ages 5 years and older: Should receive 1 booster dose of an age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccine; an mRNA vaccine is preferred  
2. People ages 50 years and older: Should receive a 2nd booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster  
3. Heterologous booster:  a different mRNA vaccine from the initial series This mix-and-match approach is an option for booster doses—studies have shown similar or higher neutralizing antibody responses, although clinical superiority remains unproven. Tulane provides only the Pfizer vaccine, so those desiring the Moderna vaccine would need to obtain it at a local pharmacy  
4. For persons who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (see definitions), or for those who received the Janssen vaccine for their primary series, please refer to CDC guidance for detailed recommendations

Additional Info found here: Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the US States

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As a service to faculty, students, and staff eligible to receive a booster, Tulane continues to operate a vaccine clinic on both the uptown and downtown campuses. The uptown clinic will be relocated at the Tulane Living Well clinic located at 200 Broadway St. Suite 108 effective June 6th, while the downtown vaccine clinic will remain at the old Bookstore in the Hutchinson building, located at 1430 Tulane Ave.  

The uptown vaccine clinic will be open Mondays and Fridays, while the downtown clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Eligible students, faculty and staff can make appointments for their booster vaccine at either the uptown or downtown clinic. The Pfizer vaccine will be available at both locations.  

• To make an appointment to receive your booster vaccine, please use THIS LINK and choose the appointment reason.
• This consent form must also be completed, signed, and brought to your scheduled appointment.
• TO RECEIVE YOUR booster DOSE, YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR CDC VACCINE CARD OR LA WALLET APP. DUPLICATE VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE CREATED AT THE CLINIC. If you have any questions, please email covidvaccine@tulane.edu.
• Family and friends of Tulane employees 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.
• Booster vaccines are also available at many area pharmacies.  For covid vaccinations received outside of Tulane’s clinic, the University requires that you upload the proof of vaccination onto the Campus Health portal.  Please click here for instructions.  

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.  

—Jonathan Small, Associate Vice President, Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity