Wisconsin Department of Health Services Digital Updates

COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Update

Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 10/04/2021 05:05 PM CDT

COVID-19 Update

Weekly Update: October 4, 2021

To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in Wisconsin, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211. As we continue to see high case activity throughout the state, it’s also important that we all add layers of protection, like wearing masks and staying home when feeling sick.

New Feature: Contact Tracing Text Notifications

Today, the Department of Health Services (DHS) announced technology enhancements so that people who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can be sent a text or email notifying them of their exposure to COVID-19. This new feature is another way to share important information with close contacts in a timely fashion. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will continue to receive a phone call from a contact tracer.

This close contact texting and email notification system is different from the Wisconsin Exposure Notification app, which exchanges anonymous signals with other phones that are near it for at least 15 minutes and allows people who test positive to send an alert to other nearby phones. The app is available for download from the Google Play Store, or can be enabled in Settings on your iPhone.

For more information on contact tracing and close contacts, visit the DHS COVID-19 Contact Tracing and COVID-19 Close Contacts webpages.

Know the Facts: Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots

On Friday September 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their recommendation that people 65 and older and certain populations who are at high risk of COVID-19 receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series. This decision follows the authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

DHS recommends that the following populations SHOULD receive a booster dose of Pfizer at least 6 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer in order to further strengthen their immunity:

People 65 years and older
All residents in long-term care
People ages 50-64 years with certain underlying medical conditions

DHS recommends that the following populations MAY receive a booster dose of Pfizer at least 6 months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer vaccine, after considering their individual risks and benefits:

People ages 18-49 years with certain underlying medical conditions
People ages 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or institutional settings. Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers.

For more information, view the DHS news release on Pfizer booster shots.

Keeping Wisconsin Kids Healthy

Children and teens are at risk for serious COVID-19 illness and can spread the virus to others—even if they don’t have symptoms. But with the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12 and up and clear information for parents and guardians, you can protect the kids in your life wherever live, play, and learn. Because COVID-19 is still spreading in our communities, all of us have a role to play in keeping Wisconsin children healthy and safe. For resources to support your family’s health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Guardians page.

COVID-19 Data 101: You've Got Questions - We've Got Answers

At DHS, we strive for transparency and accuracy in our data. Our COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions page has answers to common questions we get about our data as well as details on how to access and interpret the data on our website.

Are You a School, Employer, or Event Organizer? Host an On-Site Vaccination Clinic!

Schools, faith-based, 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 provider data every Tuesday, and the administered number is updated every weekday at 2 p.m.

COVID-19 by the Numbers

• Cases
• Deaths
• Disease Activity
• Race and Ethnic Disparities
• Vaccine

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.

• Call your provider or 211 if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, even if you are fully vaccinated.
• Visit a community testing site.
• Request an at-home collection kit.

Resilient Wisconsin

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. But taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with the challenges you’re experiencing. Resilient Wisconsin has information and tools to support good health for you, your friends, and your family.

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.