The Office of the Vice President for Administration announced that doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster were authorized for eligible members of the community to receive on Oct. 1 in a university-wide email.

The announcement came just days after the Food and Drug Administration authorized booster shots for recipients of the Pfizer vaccine who are over the age of 65, at increased risk of a severe COVID-19 infection or working in environments where there is a higher potential for exposure.

Approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to offer booster shots prompted the university to provide doses on campus and to continue Fordham’s COVID-19 vaccination program, according to Maureen Keown, director of University Health Services (UHS). 

“We now are seeing individuals return for the booster vaccines and will continue to provide this service as long as the need is there.” Maureen Keown, director of UHS

“We now are seeing individuals return for the booster vaccines and will continue to provide this service as long as the need is there,” Keown said.

In compliance with CDC guidelines and NYSDOH criteria, Keown outlined the eligibility requirements of Fordham faculty, staff and students who wish to receive the Pfizer booster. The university will administer doses to those who qualify in agreement with the CDC and NYSDOH regulations, Keown stated in an email addressed to the Fordham community on Oct. 8. In addition, only those who received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months prior are allowed to get a booster shot. 

Since the opening email from the Office of the Vice President for Administration that outlined eligibility at the time, the university has been distributing booster shots to any eligible community member, with all three booster vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) available on campus. This includes those who previously received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to Keith Eldredge, assistant vice president and dean of student services. 

Those who wish to receive a vaccine that is different from the initial one received are permitted to do so, Eldredge confirmed. 

The university expanded the eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots on-campus after the CDC published updated recommendations. According to the CDC, all those who intend to receive the Moderna booster shot must have received a second Moderna dose at least six months prior, with no exceptions. Those over 18 who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can receive a booster two months after receiving the shot. Individuals must also fall under the given specifications established by the university and CDC guidelines. 

Those who are eligible to receive a booster dose can schedule an appointment through Fordham’s UHS vaccine information website. Before scheduling, individuals must read eligibility requirements and attest that they are eligible. 

The vaccines are given on Mondays at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in O’Hare Hall. At Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, vaccines are distributed on Wednesdays in McMahon 211. There may be additional times to receive the vaccine listed on the UHS website, according to Keown.

Many Fordham students have already received the Pfizer booster shot.

Eldredge recommends that Fordham community members who are eligible to receive the booster shot do so to “reduce the rate of COVID-19 infection in addition to extending the protection against the most severe responses.”

In addition, Eldredge advises those eligible for the booster to “consult with their health provider, which includes Health Services for students, to discuss their individual circumstances.” 

Many Fordham students have already received the Pfizer booster shot. Reeya Vasisht, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’23, stated that she received the booster shot in her hometown in New Jersey. Although she did not receive the booster shot directly on campus grounds, Vasisht encourages eligible Fordham community members to receive the shot as well. 

“As a person born in a third world country, other countries don’t have access to the same boosters or shots as we do, so I have always been taught to take advantage of shots they provide here.” Gianna McGrath, FCLC ’25

“I definitely recommend for everyone to get it when they can, so we can continue to stay healthy and help keep everyone around us safe,” she said.

Gianna McGrath, FCLC ’25, who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, said she plans on receiving the booster shot, possibly at Fordham’s Health Center. “I’m deciding to get the booster because it is highly recommended by the government as it will further reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 … As a person born in a third world country, other countries don’t have access to the same boosters or shots as we do, so I have always been taught to take advantage of shots they provide here,” she said. 

For community members who may be hesitant about receiving the booster, Keown assures that “the vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death.”

Anyone with questions regarding their eligibility or with apprehensions concerning the booster shots should contact UHS and speak with medical staff.