Wisconsin children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years of age are now eligible to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for their primary series. Previously, the Moderna vaccine had been approved for children 6 months through 5 years, and for adults 18 and older.  

This action gives health care providers and vaccinators another vaccine option to offer this age group in addition to the Pfizer vaccine. All COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and vaccinators may choose to carry Moderna, Pfizer, or both vaccines. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses for full protection at least 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 health care provider, at community-based vaccination clinics, local and tribal health departments, or pharmacies.  

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 free, confidential support finding health care and community resources near you, dial 211. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19. 

If proof of COVID-19 vaccination is needed for travel, employment, or more, it’s important to understand the different ways to access your vaccination record or provide proof. 

Vaccination Card 

First, your vaccination card has information on when and where you received your vaccine as well as other helpful information related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Keep your card in a safe place! When taking pictures or posting selfies about getting your COVID-19 vaccine, do not post photos of your vaccination card online to protect your health information. Do not laminate your vaccination card. 

Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) 

If you do not have your vaccination card, you may also visit the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) for a copy of your complete vaccine record. Your record can be accessed whether or not you have a social security card or internet. To learn the different ways to access your vaccination record visit the WIR webpage or call 608-266-9691. 

The rolling seven-day average of newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases rose slightly this past week, and hospitalizations have reached levels not seen since March. Taking steps to control the spread of COVID-19 is 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.    

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 about 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 antibody medication, known as Evusheld, 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.