The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is offering free booster shots for all international travelers.
With the rise in the Omicron variant of COVID-19, several countries are looking to tighten their rules and restrictions. The vast majority of countries already require proof of vaccination for entry, but the list is currently growing with countries also requiring a proof of booster shot as well.
As a result, many airports across the United States have begun setting up “pop-up” vaccination clinics right inside their terminals. This past August, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport received help from the National Guard who began administering these vaccines right on site, seven days a week. Currently, the airport has plans to continue offering either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine in addition to the booster until February 22nd, 2022. These vaccination sites are located in three separate areas within the large airport — they will be available in D22 which is right before security, C2 which is right after security, and B-D within the connector. These vaccines will be available for distribution everyday between the hours of 8am – 4pm.
On the airport’s official website, they make mention that vaccines are available to everyone INCLUDING non US citizens — as long as they have not received another vaccine outside of the United States. Anyone over the age of 12 are eligible to receive the vaccines, though currently, the National Guard does not have vaccines available for children between 5 – 11 years old at this location.
According to the CDC guidelines, a person should receive a booster if it has been five months after receiving the two Moderna or Pfizer shots, or two months if a person has received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. According to the CDC, a person is considered “boosted” and up to date immediately after getting their booster dose.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is not the only airport in the US offering vaccines or booster shots for COVID-19. This past December, LAX in Los Angeles offered vaccines and boosters during the holiday season. Bradley International Airport in Connecticut still offers vaccines and boosters three days a week, Monday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11am -7pm. This pop-up clinic is located within baggage claim, with no appointment necessary.
Other Airports Offering Boosters
San Francisco International Airport also plans to offer the vaccine and booster at their International Terminal in the coming weeks. The clinic will be set up in the Departure Hall, Level 3 from 8am – 4pm on Wednesday February 16th.
As traveling continues to ramp up, tourists should be aware of each individual country requiring a booster validation for entry.
Currently the countries are:
Israel – This small country recently stated that all travelers who received their last dose more than 180 days earlier, will now require a COVID-19 booster shot for entry into the country.
France – This heavily touristed country will require anyone 18 and older to have a booster shot seven months after being vaccinated. France is also requiring proof of a booster dose to allow entry into restaurants and museums — a COVID negative test is no longer being accepted for that purpose.
Spain – Another popular western European country is now requiring a proof of a booster, if the previous dose took place more than 270 days, or nine months prior to arrival. Spain requires that the booster be taken at least 14 days prior to the border crossing.
Abu Dhabi – A city within the United Arab Emirates known for the popular Grand Mosque has tightened their restrictions once again. Any travelers entering Abu Dhabi will no longer be considered fully vaccinated unless they have received a booster at least six months after their second dose. As of now, nearby Dubai has not followed these same entry requirements.
Greece – A country known for history and beautiful beaches is now requiring the COVID-19 booster, which should be received within seven months of their original final dosage.
Netherlands – A country known for tulips and clogs recently announced that beginning February 2022, the country will recognize only COVID-19 vaccination certificates that indicate that a person has received a booster shot. The Netherlands will also shorten the validity of the COVID vaccination to only nine months.
Croatia – Another popular European destination recently stated that travelers will be required to present a proof of a booster vaccination, 365 days after their original dose.
Austria – a country with some of the tightest restrictions in Europe requires that a person who has been fully vaccinated for more than 180 days needs to receive a booster shot in order for the vaccination certificate to remain valid. The country did state that once the booster shot is received, the vaccination pass will remain valid for another 270 days.
Kuwait – the Middle Eastern country with a rising number of COVID-19 cases has now made booster shots mandatory for travelers seeking to enter the country. The booster shot is to be given to those where nine months have passed after the second dose of the vaccine.
As of now, a booster shot is not required domestically within the United States, BUT Hawaii is the one exception. As recently as this week, the island of Maui announced that they will require a booster in order to be considered fully vaccinated. This rule is set to go into effect Monday, January 24th.
With the growing number of travel destinations requiring a booster shot, the availability of vaccines within airport terminals makes it one less concern and headache for tourists as they set out on their travels. Though, travelers should consider getting their booster a minimum of 14 days prior to travel, to guarantee its validity, and to ensure maximum effectiveness.
