As there has been some confusion regarding the most recent guidelines for the COVID-19 booster shot recommendations, the Department of Health Services and its public health partners have provided information on the latest recommendations:
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) supports the recommendation that certain populations who have increased risk of exposure to, or transmission of COVID-19, receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after having received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
As a caregiver in a special needs program, home health care worker, or worker in a long-term care facility, you are considered a front line health care worker and may get a booster dose if you determine that you are at increased risk for COVID-19 or put others in your care at increased risk of COVID-19 while working. Again, at this time, the Pfizer booster authorization only applies to people who are 18 years and older and whose primary series was Pfizer. Additional information about boosters for people who have received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson is expected in the next few weeks.
DHS encourages all caregivers to consider their situation and seek out a booster dose if needed. A booster dose will strengthen and extend your protection against infection, serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, keeping yourself and those in your care protected.
As a reminder, people with medical conditions or who are receiving medical treatment that cause them to be moderately to severely immunocompromised have been eligible for an additional dose as of August 13. This includes people who have received their two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna. To learn more, visit the DHS Additional and Booster Doses webpage.
With the high-level of disease transmission in Wisconsin, DHS continues to urge everyone who is not vaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and for all people to add additional layers of protection including masking up indoors, staying home when feeling sick, and avoiding large indoor gatherings. For additional information about booster doses, additional doses, and help accessing your COVID-19 vaccine record to determine when you may be recommended for a booster, visit the DHS Additional Doses and Booster Doses webpage. To find a COVID-19 booster dose or primary series vaccination, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211.