Weekly Update: October 18, 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 getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and staying home when feeling sick.
Data Update: Illness After Vaccination Page
 DHS has updated the COVID-19 Illness After Vaccination data page with data for September 2021. The data table displaying cases, hospitalizations, and deaths by vaccination status and month has been updated to show age-adjusted rates. In order to more fairly compare rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated groups, we do an age adjustment so that the overall rates are based on the same population proportions.
The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing illness, hospitalization, and death. Data from Wisconsin clearly support this. The surge in COVID-19 cases continues to be driven by cases among people who are not fully vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines remain the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19 and the highly infectious Delta variant. High vaccination coverage will not only reduce the spread of the virus, but also help prevent new, and possibly more concerning variants from emerging. Vaccination locations can be found at vaccines.gov (https://vacunas.gov/) or by call 211.
Reminder: Get Your Flu Shot AND COVID-19 Vaccine
Cold and flu season is here which means it is time to get your annual flu shot. It is also an opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The good news is: You can get your flu shot at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. Getting both vaccinations can help keep you and your loved ones out of an overburdened health care system.
You can call your doctor, pharmacy, or check out your local health department’s website to find a flu and COVID-19 vaccinator near you.
Announcement: Multiple Funding Opportunities to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities
Last week, DHS announced funds will be made available to promote racial and geographic equity in the COVID-19 response. DHS was awarded $27 million by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to combat inequities related to COVID-19 infection, illness, and death, including $9 million dedicated to rural communities. In a separate appropriation, an additional $13 million in funding has been set aside to continue the Vaccine Community Outreach grant program, which funds organizations across Wisconsin to increase vaccinations by serving as trusted messengers within their communities, build vaccine confidence, and reduce barriers that hinder vaccine access for marginalized or underserved populations.
To learn more about these funding opportunities, visit our Health Disparities Grant webpage.
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 Information and Resources Are Available in Multiple Languages!
 Whether you’re looking for general information, school and child care resources, infection prevention, or tips for staying safe – DHS has you covered. Find information in English, Chinese, Hindi, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish on the COVID-19: Language, Graphic, and Print Resources page.
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