Wisconsin Department of Health Services Digital Updates

COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Update

Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 10/25/2021 05:18 PM CDT

COVID-19 Update

Weekly Update: October 25, 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.

Know the Facts: COVID-19 Booster Shots

On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their recommendation that certain populations receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine following the completion of their primary series. This decision follows the authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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

People 65 years and older
All residents in long-term care
People ages 18 and older with certain underlying medical conditions
People ages 18 and older 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.

DHS recommends that the following populations receive a booster dose of J & J vaccine at least 2 months after receiving their first dose in order to further strengthen their immunity:

People ages 18 and older

For more information, view the DHS news release on COVID-19 booster shots.

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Get Authorized?

Developing new vaccines is a thorough and careful process. Safety is the top priority during all phases of vaccine development, approval, and use. During a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA can authorize safe and effective medical devices, treatments, and vaccines more quickly using emergency use authorization (EUA). EUAs use the best available science to help necessary medical products get authorized more quickly. The COVID-19 vaccines went through all the same steps in clinical trial phases that all vaccines go through. Learn more about EUASs by visiting the FDA’s website. To get the facts on COVID-19 safety visit the DHS COVID-19: Learn the Facts page.

Halloween 2021: How to Celebrate Safely

Celebrate Halloween safely and follow good public health behavior to best prevent the spread of COVID-19. Here are some tips on how to best protect you and your loved ones this spooky season:

Celebrate with those in your household to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Host a virtual costume or pumpkin carving contest.
Bake seasonal treats and drop them off at your neighbor’s door, with no contact.
Hold online scary movie nights.
Visit a drive-through haunted house.
Help protect children while trick-or-treating by providing no-contact options:
- Leave Halloween treats or bags with goodies outside your door or at the end of your driveway.
- Have hand sanitizer available.
- Wear costumes with a well-fitting face mask.
  - A costume mask is not a replacement for a cloth or surgical face mask.
- Stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone outside your household.

For more tips and tricks (or treats!) visit the COVID-19: Staying Safe in Your Community page.

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.

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.