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Weekly Update: May 3, 2022
COVID-19 Treatments Now Available Throughout State
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued an update to health care providers statewide regarding the availability of COVID-19 treatments. Antiviral pills that you take by mouth for the treatment of COVID-19 are now widely available across Wisconsin. Wisconsinites with symptoms of COVID-19 are urged to test as soon as possible and talk to their healthcare provider to see if any one of the approved COVID-19 treatments will be right for them. Remember, these treatments do not replace the need to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines and boosters are the most effective way to prevent severe illness that may require hospitalization if you get COVID-19.
In December 2021, two oral antiviral medications received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The medications, Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir), are proven to reduce hospitalizations and deaths for patients, by as much as 88% with Paxlovid.
Individuals must have a prescription from a healthcare provider or designated Test-to-Treat site to get these treatments. Paxlovid (for people age 12 and older) and Lagevrio (for people age 18 and older) are recommended for individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 illness who:
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Can start treatment within 5 days of symptom onset.
Your healthcare provider or a Test-to-Treat site can determine if these treatments are right for you. Oral antiviral pills can be accessed at retail pharmacies across the state. To find locations near you, see the treatments locator map.
Vaccine by the Numbers
As of May 2, 2022, Wisconsin has administered more than 9.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, including more than 2 million additional or booster doses.
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64.3% of all Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose.
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61.1% of all Wisconsin residents have completed the vaccine series.
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34.1% of all Wisconsin residents have received an additional/booster dose.
Booster Rankings
Wisconsin has one of the highest rates in the U.S. of fully vaccinated people that have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. According to CDC data as of May 2, 2022, 81% of fully vaccinated Wisconsinites over 65 years of age have received a COVID-19 booster dose. This ranks Wisconsin second among all 50 states for this age group. Only Minnesota ranks higher, with 82.6% of fully vaccinated Minnesotans over 65 years of age having received a COVID-19 booster dose.
In addition, using the same CDC data, 56.2% of all fully vaccinated Wisconsinites have received a COVID-19 booster dose. This ranks Wisconsin third among all 50 states for the overall percentage of fully vaccinated people who have received boosters. Only Vermont (60.2%) and Minnesota (57.5%) rank higher. According to the CDC, 45.8% of the country’s fully vaccinated population received a booster, putting Wisconsin significantly above the national average as well for fully vaccinated residents that have received a COVID-19 booster.
Staying Up to Date with Vaccines
Being up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines ensures you have the best protection possible against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
To be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you will need to be fully vaccinated and get a booster dose when eligible.
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The primary series includes two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of Johnson & Johnson.
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People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised should get an additional primary dose for the best protection.
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Everyone 12 years and older should get a booster dose to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines and boost protection against COVID-19.
Know Your COVID-19 Community Level
Every county in Wisconsin is assigned a COVID-19 Community Level based on three key metrics. These metrics help health officials understand if COVID-19 is having severe impacts on health by tracking cases, hospitalizations, and if your local healthcare systems have space to care for those who get seriously ill. The CDC typically updates these metrics weekly. Check the DHS website Friday mornings for the most up to date information.
To keep levels low in your area, be sure to follow the guidelines associated with your current COVID-19 Community Level. You’ll protect your health, and the health of your entire community.
Learn about your COVID-19 Community Level, COVID-19: Wisconsin Summary Data | Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
After the last two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are realizing that all of the stress and uncertainty have taken a toll on their emotional well-being. This month take time to learn about mental health, how to promote it, and what to do if you’re concerned about your mental health. Mental health challenges are common and treatable. You are not alone.
Children and teens have been especially hard hit with mental health challenges during the pandemic. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week runs May 2-6. Governor Evers is proclaiming May 5 to be CMH Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
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Reminder: Planes, Trains, Buses – What’s the Latest on Masks?
Effective April 18, 2022, wearing a mask is no longer required by federal law on all public transportation, including planes, buses, and trains, traveling domestically in the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear a mask in indoor public transportation settings to prevent the spread of new, highly contagious COVID-19 variants. People using public transportation can continue to wear well-fitting masks or respirators if it makes them feel safer.
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Masks may still be required by local law.
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People utilizing public transportation should check for any local travel requirements.
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Local transportation hubs and transit agencies may still require masks.
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Masks may still be required when traveling to and from certain international locations based on country requirements.
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Businesses may still choose to require masks.
Vaccine Data:
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.
Testing Information:
If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, using a COVID-19 self-test is a safe and highly effective method for detecting COVID-19 infection.
Self-tests can be purchased at local pharmacy or retail stores, and each U.S. household is eligible to receive 2 sets every 30 days of free COVID-19 self-tests at COVID.gov.
In addition to at-home self-tests, community testing sites remain accessible across Wisconsin. Find a site near you by dialing 211 or visiting the DHS Community Testing information page.
ICYMI: Recent COVID-19 News
COVID-19 by the Numbers
• Cases • Deaths • Disease Activity • Race and Ethnic Disparities • Vaccine
Resilient Wisconsin
Building resilience—the ability to adapt and recover from adversity—within ourselves, our relationships, and in our communities matters. When we find healthy ways to cope with trauma and toxic stress, especially during tough times, we take a step closer to becoming more resilient.
If you are experiencing emotion distress, or the effects of collective trauma, the Disaster Distress Hotline is here for you. Call or text (800)985-5990 to be connected with a trained, caring counselor – 24/7. Remember, it is okay to ask for help.
Resilient Wisconsin has information and tools to support good health for you, your friends, and your family.
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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
There was 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.
Newsletter
Looking for previous newsletters? To view past versions of this newsletter, visit the DHS website.
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