All Arkansans 12 years of age and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Age eligibility for certain vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson – varies by Baptist Health location. 

• Insurance card and photo ID 
• COVID-19 Vaccine Card (if applicable)
• For patients under 18 years of age, please bring a photo ID or some form of identification or documentation that includes the patient’s name and date of birth. A parent must sign consent for minors to receive the vaccination.

• To view our step-by-step guide on activating your MyChart account, click here.
• To view our step-by-step guide on appointment scheduling for the COVID-19 vaccine via MyChart, click here.

Moderately to severely immunocompromised people may not build enough protection against COVID-19 after receiving their second dose. In this case, a third dose is necessary to help them build more protection against the disease. A third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is only recommended for moderately to severely immunocompromised recipients ages 12 and older who received their second dose of the vaccine at least 28 days ago and fall under established criteria.

A booster can be given to those whose immune response may have weakened over time. This response is referred to as “waning immunity.” The FDA has authorized booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines as safe and effective for eligible individuals. (See “Who Should Receive A Booster Dose?” for details)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine for moderately to severely immunocompromised recipients ages 12 and older who received their second dose of the vaccine at least 28 days ago and who fall under established criteria. Those coming for a third dose should receive the same vaccine that had previously been administered.

The CDC classifies eligible recipients as those who: 

• Are in active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies 
• Have received a transplant and are taking immunosuppressive therapy 
• Have received CAR-T cell therapy or a stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy) 
• Have advanced or untreated HIV infection 
• Have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome 
• Are undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and other pharmaceuticals that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved the following recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine booster eligibility. 

Pfizer & Moderna: For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at six months or more after their initial series: 

• 65 years and older 
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings 
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions 
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings 

Johnson & Johnson: Booster shots of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. 

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others may prefer to get a different booster. The CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix-and-match dosing for booster shots. 

If your situation appears to not be addressed by this guidance or if you have any questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.

• To view our step-by-step guide on accessing your proof of vaccination for COVID-19 via MyChart, click here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11. Please check with your child’s pediatrician to schedule an appointment for the vaccine and to answer any questions you may have.