DHS Encourages Residents and Staff in All Long-Term Care Facilities to Receive Updated COVID-19 Boosters
On October 13, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) urged everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu ahead of the holidays. All people 5 years and older are now eligible to receive an updated COVID-19 booster (also known as a bivalent booster) for added protection against COVID-19. Included in the new DHS recommendations for a booster dose are all residents and staff in long-term care facilities (LTCFs).
Getting the updated COVID-19 booster is especially important for people 50 years and older, those who are immunocompromised, and those who are in close contact with these populations. The new boosters are recommended as a single (1) dose for those who have received their primary series or had their last booster dose at least two months ago.
DHS and the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSWI) Offer Support Connecting Facilities with Vaccinators
To ensure all residents and staff in LTCFs have access to convenient and efficient booster dose vaccination, DHS and PSWI are currently offering support to connect all LTCF types with COVID-19 vaccinators who can provide on-site COVID-19 vaccination.
For vaccination support before December 31, 2022, please communicate your need to PSWI by emailing Ryan Psych at ryanp@pswi.org.
If PSWI is unable to fulfill your request, please complete and submit the State COVID-19 Resource Matching Survey. DHS will review your survey submission and follow-up with next steps approximately 3-10 days after your submission.
Fill out the vaccinator matching survey here.
As we head into the fall and winter respiratory virus season, DHS asks you to encourage your residents and staff to make a plan to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including boosters. The support offered by DHS to match you with a vaccinator includes both primary series vaccinations and the updated COVID-19 boosters.
Thank you for your continued dedication and partnership in protecting individuals against COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Co-Administration
Studies conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that it is safe to receive both a COVID-19 vaccine and a seasonal influenza vaccine at the same visit. Co-administration of these vaccines is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
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