All Wisconsinites Ages 5 and Older Now Eligible for Updated COVID-19 boosters 

Everyone ages 5 and older is now eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster. This expanded eligibility for the updated COVID-19 boosters follows authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is urging Wisconsinites to get an updated COVID-19 booster vaccination and their annual flu shot ahead of the upcoming holiday season. People can safely get their COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines at the same time, including the annual flu vaccine.  

The full press release can be found here. 

COVID-19 Testing Resources for You  

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.  

COVID-19 self-tests can be purchased at local pharmacy or retail stores, and each Wisconsin household is eligible to order a package of COVID-19 self-tests that contain five tests for free at sayyescovidhometest.org. All health plans are also required to cover the cost of over the counter, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests for their members. COVID-19 tests may either be covered by the insurer with no upfront cost or reimbursed by the insurer.  

If you think any package of COVID-19 tests you have at home may be expired, check before you throw it out!! The FDA has extended the expiration dates for many of the COVID-19 self-tests that are widely available at stores and pharmacies. To check if your package of COVID-19 tests has an extended expiration date, people can find more information here on all the FDA-authorized brands, as well as specific information on iHealth brand tests that includes a tool to search your package’s expiration here.  

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.  

COVID-19 Therapeutics  

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 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 health care clinic, a community health center, walk-in clinic or a Test to Treat site, and for Paxlovid, you may be able to get a prescription from a pharmacist.    

• Know the COVID-19 Community Level where you live or are traveling to and follow the associated guidelines.   
• Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines by getting all recommended vaccines and booster doses.  
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19. Self-tests can be purchased at local pharmacy or retail stores. 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.   
• Stay home if you are sick or test positive for COVID-19 and talk to a health care provider or visit a community clinic to ask about available treatments. For free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or community clinic near you, dial 211.