Weekly Update: December 14, 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, getting your booster dose, wearing masks, and staying home when feeling sick.
We appreciate your continued diligence, and all you are doing to be safe and protect yourselves and others in your communities.
Celebrating One Year of COVID-19 Vaccinations!
DHS and the State of Wisconsin are marking the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state. Wisconsin first began administering the COVID-19 vaccine on December 14, 2020. In one year, more than 6.8 million primary series COVID-19 doses have been administered to more than 3.5 million people.
Since the vaccination program launched in December 2020, the state has mobilized the largest vaccination effort in its history to make COVID-19 vaccines available to all residents. Over the past year, nearly 3,000 providers registered as vaccinators and more than 2,500 providers are actively administering vaccines currently, including administering more than 1.2 million booster doses. Over 67% of Wisconsin adults 18 years of age and older have been fully vaccinated, including 82% of Wisconsinites 65 years of age and older, and more than 86,000 children ages 5-11 years have received their first dose in just six weeks after becoming eligible.
DHS appreciates the dedication of our vaccinators, partners, and all Wisconsinites. Thank you all for your hard work and tireless efforts.
DHS Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose for Anyone 16 and Older
On December 10, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced our recommendation that everyone ages 16 and older receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine following the completion of their primary series. People 16 and older who have received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can receive their booster of Pfizer at least six months after their second dose. People 18 and older who received the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine may get their booster six months after their second dose, and people who have received Johnson & Johnson may get their booster two months after their single dose.
Boosters doses are an important tool in making sure protection against COVID-19 remains high. And, getting a booster dose is easy! For anyone ages 18 and older, it is not necessary to get the same vaccine type as your primary series. We encourage you to take the booster dose that is available to you at the most convenient time and location for your schedule. At this time, the Pfizer vaccine booster dose is the only one recommended for 16- and 17-year olds.
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.
Tips for Talking About COVID-19 Vaccines
You may want to have a conversation about COVID-19 vaccines with your friends or family, but don’t know where to start. DHS has tips and examples to help you have an effective conversation with loved ones. To learn more, visit the COVID-19: Vaccines Conversations page.
Data for Vaccinations in the 5-11 Age Group Now Available!
DHS has made updates to the COVID-19 Vaccines for Wisconsin Residents dashboard to include data on vaccinations in the 5 to 11-year-old age group. As of December 13, over 86,000 children ages 5 to 11 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, representing 17.8% of eligible Wisconsinites in this age group. With the recent identification of the Omicron variant in Wisconsin, DHS is urging those who have not yet gotten the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated, including their children. Anyone ages 5 and older can get a free, safe, and effective vaccine now. If you are 16 and older and it has been at least six months since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or at least two months since you got your Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, getting your booster shot will provide the best protection from COVID-19, including this new variant.
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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