|
Weekly Update: July 19, 2021
Know the Facts: COVID-19 Variants
A COVID-19 variant is a new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19. The longer a virus sticks around, the more opportunity it has to change. In Wisconsin, there are currently four variants of concern. Learn the characteristics of identified variants of concern and track cases in the state on the DHS COVID-19: Emerging Variants webpage.
Some of the variants, like the Delta, can spread more easily and can cause more severe illness. Fortunately, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have shown to still provide good protection against the Delta variant. This is why DHS urges Wisconsinites who are unvaccinated to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you at www.vaccines.gov.
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccine Questions?
Anyone who has questions about COVID-19 vaccines or vaccine locations can call 2-1-1 or visit the DHS COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. Wisconsinites can also text COVID to 211-211 for county-specific information on COVID-19, vaccination clinics, and other resources.
|
|
DHS Launches Our Doctors Campaign
DHS announced the launch of Our Doctors, a statewide multimedia campaign that brings together health care professionals across the state of Wisconsin, from different health systems and specialties, to share their confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. This campaign encourages Wisconsinites who may be hesitant to start a conversation with their own family doctor about the vaccines. We also encourage anyone who may need assistance finding or choosing a care provider to visit the DHS Find a Health Care Facility or Care Provider page or call 211.
Visit the DHS YouTube page to find out why Wisconsin doctors trust the vaccine.
|
|
Reminder: No one will be turned away
Anyone age 12 or older who lives, works, or studies in Wisconsin can get vaccinated free of charge. If you have health insurance, that insurance may be charged an administration fee, but it cannot be passed onto you. You do not need to show proof of residency or a valid state identification card to access the vaccine.
|
|
Reducing Barriers to Advance Equity through COVID-19 Vaccination
As part of our $6.2 million grant program to promote vaccine equity, local and tribal health departments, vaccinators, and community-based organizations are finding ways to ensure underserved and historically marginalized populations have the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Here are a few examples of the work our partners are doing:
Adolescent Vaccination Outreach Toolkits Now Available
As the school year approaches, it is critical to ensure all adolescents 12 years and older get vaccinated against COVID-19. DHS has created toolkits for partners to help facilitate communication with adolescents, their families, and the community about COVID-19 vaccination for people ages 12 and older. The toolkits contain call-to-action email templates, social media messages, and graphics. Visit our Vaccine Partner Resources webpage to access the toolkits.
Want to Host an On-Site Vaccination Clinic?
Summer programs, sporting programs, faith-based, schools, community-based organizations, or community events who want to hold an on-site clinic for a group of individuals ready to be vaccinated, can communicate their interest to DHS by filling out the vaccination clinic matching survey and learn more on the DHS COVID-19 vaccine partner resources webpage. Employers can also hold an on-site clinic for their employees and their families, visit our COVID-19: Businesses, Employers, and Workers webpage to sign up.
Vaccine Distribution Summary
Check out the latest data on Wisconsin’s vaccination effort. DHS updates the allocated numbers and provider data every Tuesday, and the administered number is updated every weekday at 2 p.m.
COVID-19 by the Numbers
|
|
COVID-19 Resources
Resilient Wisconsin
Taking time to promote your own physical and emotional health is important your overall wellness. Resilient Wisconsin has seven free ways to practice self-care. Self-care is one of the key ways to build resilience, the skill that helps you recover quickly from life’s challenges. Also available through Resilient Wisconsin are coloring sheets to help you practice self-care. Share a photo of your completed coloring sheet(s) on your social media accounts using #Resilient Wisconsin.
|
Other Languages, Graphics, and Print Materials
DHS materials are available in multiple languages as electronic files you can view online or download and print. You can use these materials at home or for your business. Visit the DHS website to view what resources are available to you.
Testing
If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, visit our testing page to learn the different ways you can get tested.
|
Media Briefing
DHS did not hold a media briefing last week.
Social Media
Follow DHS on social media for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout.
Newsletter
Looking for previous newsletters? To view past versions of this newsletter, visit the DHS website.
|
|
|
|
