Weekly Update: December 22, 2021
Reminder: COVID-19 Testing Options
DHS reminds Wisconsinites of the various ways to get tested for COVID-19. Trusted testing partners include local health departments, community testing sites, pharmacies, and health care providers. Over the counter rapid at-home COVID-19 tests can also be used before gathering with family and friends. DHS currently provides free at-home collection kits which you can send to a lab for results for all Wisconsinites.
Anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of their vaccination status. If you are exposed to COVID-19, get tested 5-7 days after exposure. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, stay home while you are waiting for your results.
If you are planning to travel or gather with people who do not live with you, especially if you were recently in public settings without a tight-fitting mask, consider using a rapid over-the-counter at-home test, available at many pharmacies and online. Wisconsinites can also request at-home collection kits, a type of at-home test, to be delivered to their home at no cost. The results of these tests are usually available in several days. See a list of products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you need help finding a test, contact your local or tribal health department or call 211.
DHS also recommends that everyone continue to complete the appropriate quarantine or isolation guidance after being exposed to, or diagnosed with COVID-19. Due to the large numbers of cases, not everyone who has COVID-19 or is exposed will get a call from public health. Individuals can assist public health efforts by informing their close contacts who were exposed to COVID-19.
Public Health Advisory: Anticipated Surge in COVID-19 Disease Activity Due to Omicron Variant
 The highly contagious Omicron Variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Wisconsin and is anticipated to cause a rapid increase in disease activity in the coming weeks. Public health officials are actively researching how Omicron differs from other variants. Current data from other states and regions of the world show that it spreads more easily than previous strains, including the Delta variant. There is a serious risk that continued, increased numbers of COVID-19 cases will overwhelm an already strained health care system, leading to dangerous situations where patients experiencing medical emergencies may not be able to receive immediate, adequate, life-saving attention and care due to lack of hospital capacity.
Taking action to prevent or minimize the impending surge in hospitalizations and deaths is the responsibility of all Wisconsinites. We can all do our part to slow the spread of Omicron by collectively taking several simple actions. These include:
- Getting vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster dose as soon as you are eligible.
- Wearing a well-fitting mask in indoor spaces when others are present who do not live with you.
- Celebrating safely over the holidays by keeping gatherings small, getting tested before visiting others, and staying home if you test positive or have any symptoms.
For more information on DHS’s recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19, see the public health advisory.
Where to Get Your Booster Shot
DHS recommends that everyone ages 16 and older receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine following the completion of their primary series. If you are 16 years or older, you can get your Pfizer booster dose at least 6 months after you got your second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. If you are 18 years or older, you can get your COVID-19 booster dose:
- At least 6 months after you got your last dose of your Pfizer or Moderna primary vaccine series.
- At least 2 months after you got your Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
You are able to receive your 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.
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.
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.
Data Update: Illness After Vaccination Page
 DHS has updated the COVID-19 Illness After Vaccination data page with data for November 2021. To learn more, visit the DHS COVID-19: Illness After Vaccination data page.
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. 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.
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.
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