MARSHFIELD–Wisconsin is almost a year into itsCOVID-19 vaccine distribution, with everyone 12 and upeligible for the shots, and the effort to give boosters to those who qualify is well underway.
About 58%of all Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of Oct. 27, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, with a total of 6.3million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in the state.
As of Oct. 27, just over half of people in both Wood and Marathon countieshad been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Figuring out how and where to get the vaccine can be confusing, especially if you don't have or don't know how to use a computer. And while there was once a shortage of shots compared to people waiting for the vaccines, doses are now readily available in central Wisconsin, with dozens of places — from health care providers to pharmacies to walk-in clinics — offering the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Here's a list of local sites where you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot as well as flu shots.
Who is currently eligible?
People 12 years and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, which consists of two shots given three weeks apart. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration committee announced Oct. 26 that children between the ages of 5 and 11couldsoon be eligiblefor the Pfizer vaccine.
People 18 years and older are eligible for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Moderna's vaccine is administered in two doses four weeks apart, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is administered fully in one dose.
For all vaccine types, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after your final dose.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionrecommends that peoplewho are immunocompromised receive a third dose of thePfizer or Moderna vaccines at least 28 days after completing their second dose. People who should consider this option are listed hereunder "Third Dose."
Booster shots for Pfizer and Moderna are available for people 65 years or older, all long-term care residents, people ages 18 and older who have certain underlying medical conditionsor who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or school setting. People must be at least six months out from thesecond dose of their initial vaccination to receive a booster.
The Johnson & Johnson booster shot is available to people who are 18 years or older and are at least two months out from their initial vaccination.
Vaccine appointments, lists and hotlines
Marshfield Clinic Health System: Those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or a booster shotcan visit Marshfield Clinic's website to schedule an appointment or call877-998-0880if you do not have internet access.
People can schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine on Marshfield Clinic's website or call their Marshfield Clinic facility.
Aspirus Wausau Hospital & Clinics:Those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine or a booster shot should go online toAspirus' website to schedule an appointment. Aspirus currently only offers the Pfizer booster. You can also call their COVID-19hotline at 715-843-1454.
You can call your local Aspirus hospital or clinic to schedule a flu shot.
The Wood County Health Department:People can visit the health department's website to keep updated on upcoming vaccination clinics and whether you need an appointment.
The health department also shares information about vaccination clinics on their Facebook page.People can also contact the health department at 715-421-8911.
The Marathon County Health Department: The department offers free walk-in clinics at the Center for Business & Industry Building at Northcentral Technical College, 1000 W. Campus Drive, for people looking to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster.
People can also find updates on the department'sFacebook page.
The Clark County Health Department: The department offers COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. For information on how to schedule an appointment, people can visit the department's website or call715-743-5105 (Option 9, Option 9).
People can also find updates on the department's Facebook page.
MostWalgreens pharmaciesin central Wisconsin are offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines to those eligible, including one locationin Marshfield at 1012 N. Central Ave.To make anappointment, visit the store's website.People without computers cancall the local store at715-384-9703.
ThePick 'N Save Pharmacy,641 S. Central Ave., is also offering the the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot. You can schedule an appointment online.People can call the store at 715-384-8716.
Additionally, someWalmartlocations — including the store at2001 N. Central Ave. — are distributing the COVID and flu shots. You can sign up onthe store's website.You can also call the local store at 715-486-9439.
In addition to larger health systems like Marshfield Clinic and Aspirus,Norwood Health Centeris providing vaccines at its location on 1600 N. Chestnut Ave. by appointment only. To be placed on a waiting list, call 715-384-2188, ext. 3238. You will be asked toleave your name, phone number, date of birth and what eligibility requirement you meet.
More vaccine information
Sign up for weekly vaccine and COVID-19 updates from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services atdhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/newsletter.htm. The state's health department also recently launched a vaccine registry, which allows Wisconsin residentsto register for and schedule COVID-19 vaccinations locallywhen they are eligible, and as vaccine becomes available. You can sign up atdhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-registry.htm.
You can sign up for regular COVID-19 updates in your county, including updates about vaccination opportunities, by visiting:
- Marathon County Health Department website's COVID-19 page:https://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/HealthDepartment/COVID19.aspx
- Wood County website's COVID-19 page:https://www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/Health/CovidTesting.aspx
Contact USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter Melissa Siegler at msiegler@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Marie2Melissa.
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