WISCONSIN RAPIDS–Wisconsin is almost a year into itsCOVID-19 vaccine distribution, with everyone 12 and oldereligible for the shots, and the effort to give boosters to those who qualify is well underway.
About 58%of 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 Wood County had 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 them, 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 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, boosters?
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 11 couldsoon 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 to Aspirus' websiteto 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.
Adams County Health and Human Services Department:People can find updates on future COVID-19 or flu vaccination clinics throughthe department's website.They also post updates about upcoming clinics on theirFacebook page.
People can also call the department to make an appointment for a flu shot. For more information, visit the department's website.
People can also contact the department at 608-339-4559.
MostWalgreens pharmaciesin central Wisconsin are offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines to those eligible, including one locationin Wisconsin Rapids at3200 Eighth St. S.To make anappointment, visit the store's website.People without computers cancall the local store at 715-424-4082.
You can also schedule a COVID vaccine or booster appointment at CVS stores, including the storeat 2410 Eighth St. S.in Wisconsin Rapids. People can visit the website to schedule an appointment. People can also schedule a flu shot online.The store can also be reached at 715-423-2340.
ThePick 'N Save Pharmacy,900 E. Riverview Expressway, is also offering the the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu shot. You can schedule an appointment online.People can call the store at 715-631-7180.
Additionally, someWalmartlocations — including the store at4331 Eighth St. S. — are distributing the COVID and flu shots. You can sign up on the store's website.You can also call the local store at 715-423-1900.
Wisconsin Rapids also has two local pharmacies that are distributing the vaccine to those eligible in the community, includingWisconsin Rapids Hometown Pharmacy,1000 E. Riverview Expressway, Suite 150.People can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine online.Or people can call the store at 715-712-0870. Flu shots are available at all Hometown Pharmacy locations.People can call 715-712-0870 for more information.
People can also receive COVID vaccines and flu shots atDaly Drug,3215 EightSt. S.. People can visit their website for more information or call715-423-3400.
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:
- Wood County Health Department'sCOVID-19 page: https://www.co.wood.wi.us/Departments/Health/CovidTesting.aspx
- Adams County's COVID-19 page:https://www.co.adams.wi.us/covid-19
Did we miss a location offering the vaccine? Let us know. Contactreporter Melissa Siegler at msiegler@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Marie2Melissa.
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