COVID-19 Update

Weekly Update: November 1, 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.

Getting Tested for COVID-19

No matter your vaccination status, you should get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or if you were in close contact with someone with COVID-19. You can still spread the virus to others even if you have mild or no symptoms.

There are many ways to get tested for COVID-19 in Wisconsin:

• Contact your doctor or primary health care provider.
• Find a local community testing site. Testing at these sites is free. Some locations may require an appointment to receive a test.
• At-home specimen collection kits are available at no cost to Wisconsinites.
• At-home rapid tests are available for purchase over-the-counter at pharmacies and online. See a list of products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Call 211 or contact your local or tribal health department for help finding a test.

Where to Get Your Booster Shot

People eligible for their COVID-19 booster shot are able to receive their booster dose at any vaccine provider. You may return to the site where you received your primary series, or if there is a more convenient location elsewhere, that is ok too.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider in your community, visit Vaccines.gov, or call 211 or 877-947-2211.

For additional information about booster doses, additional doses, and help accessing your COVID-19 vaccine record to determine when you may be recommended for a booster, visit the DHS Additional Doses and Booster Doses webpage.

How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Get Authorized?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will be meeting this week to vote on recommendations for youth ages 5 to 11 years old to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. CDC will then publish any additional clinical guidance based on the outcome of the ACIP vote. Parents and guardians of youth ages 5 to 11 can learn more about the importance of protecting children against COVID-19 and what they can do to prepare their child for vaccination by visiting the COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Guardians page.

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.

Data Spotlight: COVID-19 Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Children

Communities of color in Wisconsin have experienced higher rates of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths since the pandemic began. Recently high case activity among children under 18 has highlighted how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black, Indigenous, and children of color.

Compared to White children, American Indian children have 1.3 times greater case rates and Black children have 3 times greater hospitalization rates. Of those currently eligible for vaccination, Black and Hispanic children are less likely to be vaccinated compared to their White peers.

Individual choice is not what keeps these communities from being as healthy as possible. Structural racism and social factors often create barriers and obstacles for many people. Health is influenced not just by your access to quality health care services, research shows it is also impacted by where you work, where you live, how much money you earn, and how much education you have.

For more information on health inequities in Wisconsin, and to see the latest data, visit the COVID-19: Racial and Ethnic Disparities data dashboard.

Enjoy Fall Activities Safely!

As we transition into colder weather, it is important to know that attending gatherings and celebrations, especially those that are hosted indoors, increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Follow these tips to help you enjoy a safe and healthy fall! Learn more, about Staying Safe in Your Community.

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.

Media Briefing No 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. @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter dhs.wi on https://www.instagram.com/dhs.wi/ Newsletter Looking for previous newsletters? To view past versions of this newsletter, visit the DHS website.

Please do not respond to this email. Additional information about COVID-19 is available at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.