Wisconsin’s youngest children now are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Children ages 6 months through 5 years can now receive pediatric vaccines. As vaccine shipments arrive in Wisconsin, parents and guardians are asked to be patient as Wisconsin vaccinators take the necessary steps to review all guidelines, receive the vaccines, and make more appointment slots available.   

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months through 4 years of age requires three total doses. The first two doses of the vaccine are given three weeks apart, followed by a third dose at least two months later. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years of age requires two doses, 28 days apart.  

COVID-19 vaccines remain available to all Wisconsinites at no cost – even if they do not have insurance or their insurance does not cover COVID-19 vaccination. Parents and guardians can schedule a vaccination using a variety of options, including with their child’s health care provider, at community-based vaccination clinics, local and tribal health departments, or at some pharmacies. Vaccination sites across Wisconsin will continue to update their availability as they receive shipments of the vaccine. 

Vaccination sites across Wisconsin may choose to provide vaccines to select age groups. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their local health clinics or visit vaccines.gov to see which age groups your local vaccination sites are serving. 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.  

Effective June 12, 2022, people traveling to the United States from outside the country are no longer required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States.  

The rolling seven-day average of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases has held steady for the past week. However, taking steps to control the spread of COVID-19 remains important, especially to make sure hospitals have the capacity to provide the full range of health care. In addition, many people, particularly older adults and people with underlying health conditions, remain at risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and death.    

As of July 1, 2022, CDC data indicate two Wisconsin counties are in the “high” COVID-19 Community Level category: Baron and Rusk. In addition, 18 Wisconsin counties are experiencing a medium COVID-19 Community Level, and 52 are experiencing a low COVID-19 Community Level. Residents in counties with a high COVID-19 Community Level are recommended to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status.   

Individuals who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19 should continue to follow isolation and quarantine recommendations.  

To find the latest guidance for your community, visit COVID.gov. 

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild illness and can treat themselves at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to decrease fever and discomfort. For people who are at higher risk of experiencing severe COVID-19 illness, medications called monoclonal antibodies and oral antivirals are available throughout the state. 

COVID-19 oral antivirals are pills taken by mouth at home after someone has tested positive for COVID-19. They help the body fight off the virus that causes COVID-19 and are proven to reduce serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and death. A prescription is required for these medications. These treatments need to start within five days of symptom onset, so it is important that people who develop symptoms of COVID-19 do not delay – they should test and seek treatment right away. Oral antiviral pills are available at nearly 600 pharmacies across the state. To get a prescription, you can visit a healthcare provider, a community health center, walk-in clinic, or find a Test to Treat site near you.  

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus. Monoclonal antibody treatment is given in a health care setting by intravenous (IV) injection. This treatment is also proven to reduce serious symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and death. There is also a monoclonal antibodies medication used for prevention of COVID-19 in people unlikely to produce an immune response to COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to learn more about available treatments.