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Weekly Update: August 16, 2021
The Delta Variant is Spreading Rapidly Across Wisconsin
Wisconsin continues to experience an increase of COVID-19 cases, as indicated by a rising seven-day average. This increase is driven by the highly infectious Delta variant, which is now widespread in all parts of Wisconsin, as it is across the country. The Delta variant is much more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. With the original strain of COVID-19, an infected person was likely to infect two other people who are likely to infect two additional people for a total of 6 cases from one infection. With the Delta variant, an infected person is likely to infect five people who are likely to infect 25 people for a total of 30 cases from one infection.
As the spread increases, so does the risk that new, potentially more dangerous variants will develop.
 That is why state health officials are urging all eligible Wisconsinites to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to follow current best health practices such as wearing a mask in public indoor spaces and staying home when sick. These measures will help stop the surge of the Delta variant across the state.
Search vaccination options at vaccines.gov. Need help finding or scheduling an appointment for a vaccine? Call 211 or 877-947-2211.
Nearly 3 Million Wisconsinites Fully Vaccinated
Half of all Wisconsinites have completed their vaccine series – let’s keep going! For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit our DHS webpage.
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CDC Recommends Pregnant People Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Based on new evidence about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, CDC recommends that pregnant people should be vaccinated against COVID-19 if not already vaccinated.
Pregnancy increases the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Pregnant people are more likely to be hospitalized, require critical care including ventilation, and admission to the intensive care unit. In addition, COVID-19 during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm birth of the infants.
Search vaccination options at vaccines.gov. Need help finding or scheduling an appointment for a vaccine? Call 211 or 877-947-2211.
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Know the Facts: Why Vaccinated People Should Mask Up
With cases increasing rapidly across Wisconsin communities, it is important that we do our part to stop the spread. If you are vaccinated, wearing a mask will provide an extra layer of protection to keep yourself and your community protected.
And taking precautions like physical distancing, staying home when you are sick, and getting tested if you have been exposed to COVID-19 will help protect those who can’t get vaccinated like children and people who are immunocompromised.
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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.
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How to Access Immunization Records
Vaccination Card
First, your vaccination card has information on when and where you received your vaccine as well as other helpful information related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Keep your card in a safe place! When taking pictures or posting selfies about getting your COVID-19 vaccine, do not post photos of your vaccination card online to protect your health information. Do not laminate your vaccination card.
Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR)
If you do not have your vaccination card, you may also visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) for a copy of your complete vaccine record. Your record can be accessed whether or not you have a social security card or internet. To learn the different ways to access your vaccination record visit the WIR webpage or call 608-266-9691.
Over 600 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Administered at Wisconsin State Fair
Gov. Tony Evers and DHS today announced that during the 11 days of the Wisconsin State Fair, the on-site COVID-19 vaccine clinic has administered 608 vaccine doses. All those vaccinated at the on-site clinic received a voucher for a free cream puff.
Are You a School, Employer, or Event Organizer? 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.
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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:
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Partnership Community Health Center held a couple successful vaccination clinics in Appleton last week, with a nearly 100% return rate for second doses.
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Health Connections Inc. in partnership with UniteWI and Wisconsin Council of Churches is hosting 20 vaccination events in Milwaukee from the 5th to the 31st of August. Running Rebels, and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin are also involved in this effort. The times and locations can be found here.
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Near West Side Partners, City on a Hill, and Neighborhood House of Milwaukee are partnering to host 5 vaccination clinics between August 14th and 26th. Times and locations can be found here.
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
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.
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COVID-19 Resources
Resilient Wisconsin
Resilient Wisconsin has information and resources to help you cope with challenging times. Access services such as hotlines, virtual support meetings, and more.
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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.
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Media Briefing
Media briefing from August 12, 2021 with Governor Tony Ever and DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk.
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.
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