As omicron spreads in Wisconsin Rapids area, here’s where you can get COVID vaccine, booster
As the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads across the state and local health departments move into crisis mode for communicating with those who have tested positive for the virus and their close contacts, health experts are urging everyone 5 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
There are three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S.: the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The CDC reports the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safer and more effective than the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, but all three FDA-approved vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and COVID-19-related deaths, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The Pfizer vaccine is available to everyone 5 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are available to those 18 years and older.
The CDC also has recommended booster doses of the vaccines and in January shortened the recommended booster interval from six months to five months for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The booster interval recommendation for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine remains at two months.
MORE: Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in the Wisconsin Rapids area?
In January, the CDC recommended a single booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for youths ages 12-15. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the only one recommended for 12- to 17-year-olds at this time.
In Wisconsin, 59.4% of residents have completed their vaccination series as of Feb. 1 (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). In Wood County, 56.2% of residents have completed their vaccination series, including 14.3% of children 5 to 11 and 46.1% of youths ages 12-17.
Health care systems and county health departments in central Wisconsin are offering the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 5 years and older as well as booster shots for those 12 years and older. Many local pharmacies also are offering the vaccine. Each provider has different vaccines available and serves different age groups. Call for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Here are some of the locations where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Wisconsin Rapids area. This listing will be updated as additional vaccination clinics are announced.
Wisconsin Rapids clinics
Wood County Health Department, third floor of the River Block Building, 111 W. Jackson St.: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Pfizer vaccine is available to anyone 5 years and older; Moderna is available to those 18 years and older. Appointments are required by clicking here. For more information, call 715-421-8931.
Friendship clinics
Adams County Health & Human Services, 108 E. North St.: 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Pfizer vaccine is available for everyone 5 years and older; Johnson & Johnson for those 18 years and older. Appointments are required for children ages 5-11 and recommended for those 12 years and older. Click here to schedule an appointment (under “Search for a Sign Up,” enter nikki.ripp@co.adams.wi.us. Then click “I’m not a robot" and search for the date you’d like to schedule an appointment.) For more information, call 608-339-4559.
Mauston clinics
Juneau County Health Department, 200 Hickory St.: Noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 2. Pfizer vaccine is available only for those 5-11 years old. Vaccine is free. To schedule an appointment, call 608-847-9373.
Juneau County Health Department, 200 Hickory St.: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4. Pfizer vaccine is available for those 5 years and older. Vaccine is free. To schedule an appointment, call 608-847-9373.
Juneau County Health Department, 200 Hickory St.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 11. Pfizer vaccine is available for those 5 years and older. Vaccine is free. To schedule an appointment, call 608-847-9373.
Health systems
Aspirus Health: Individuals can schedule an appointment via the MyAspirus app or the patient portal at myaspirus.org, or by calling the Aspirus COVID-19 Call Center at 844-568-0701.
Marshfield Clinic Health System: Individuals can complete an online form to request a vaccine appointment, self-schedule online, attend a walk-in clinic or call 877-998-0880 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional information is available at marshfieldclinic.org/CovidVaccine.
Pharmacies
CVS, 2410 Eighth St. S.: Appointments are required; register online at cvs.com or call 715-423-2340.
Hometown Pharmacy, 1000 E. Riverview Expressway: Appointments are required; register by calling 715-712-0870.
Pick 'n Save, 900 E. Riverview Expressway: Appointments are required; register online at picknsave.com or call 715-631-7177.
Walgreens, 3200 Eighth St. S.: Appointments are required; register through the Walgreens app, online at walgreens.com or call 715-424-4082.
Walmart, 4331 Eighth St. S.: Appointments are required; register online at walmart.com or call 715-423-8500.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: Wisconsin Rapids: Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine, booster
