About the Vaccine
Scientific Review
On Dec. 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – representing a major development in our global efforts to stem the spread of COVID-19.
UT Southwestern’s Vaccine Science Review Committee has independently evaluated the clinical trial data and agrees with the FDA assessment of the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness.
Read the Pfizer scientific review
Read the Moderna scientific review
UT Southwestern follows state guidance and the executive order of the governor, which at this time focuses on encouraging vaccination and personal choice.
In line with the most recent guidance, we continue to require masking in our clinical facilities.
Third Dose
The CDC has recommended a single booster dose, or third shot, of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for all individuals 12 and older who received their second dose at least five months ago.
The CDC also recommends booster shots for those 18 and older who received the Moderna vaccine five months ago, or the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine who were vaccinated at least two months ago.
The booster shot can be any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S., the CDC says.
Please see our Booster Dose FAQ for more information.
Fourth Dose
The CDC recommends four doses for people with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, organ transplantation, and other medical conditions. The fourth dose is provided at least five months following the third shot. You may self-schedule your vaccination in MyChart.
Questions?
We continue to receive questions from across our UT Southwestern community and will expand our vaccine FAQ as answers become available. You may also access:
- An archive of vaccine-related campus communications
- Vaccine FAQ for Patients
- Our MedBlog on COVID-19 vaccines: 21 key questions answered by a front-line doctor
Please check back often for updates. Employees can covid-19questions@utsouthwestern.edu with additional questions as they arise.