Where can I get a COVID vaccine and get tested in Milwaukee?

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·5 min read
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COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates are on the rise locally and nationally, though the numbers are still much lower than this time last year.

The CDC estimates that the omicron subvariant, EG.5, nicknamed "Eris," is now the predominant strain of COVID, accounting for around 20% of infections during a two-week period in August.

A new COVID booster designed to protect against new strains of the virus, including omicron variants, is expected to be available in September. Experts recommend those who are not immunocompromised wait to get their yearly booster until the new vaccine comes out.

If you're 65 or older or immunocompromised, you are eligible for an extra, second dose of the COVID booster that became available last fall. Everyone else 6 months and older is eligible for a single dose of the COVID booster that became available last fall.

It is recommended that everyone stay up-to-date on their vaccines and monitor their health symptoms. Here are the locations where you can get vaccinated against, and get tested for, COVID-19 in Milwaukee, according to the CDC's national database.

Nahum Martinez, 5, reacts to getting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose from Laura Berrueta, a paramedic, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at Escuela Fratney in Milwaukee.
Nahum Martinez, 5, reacts to getting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose from Laura Berrueta, a paramedic, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at Escuela Fratney in Milwaukee.

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters?

Many pharmacies, clinics and other locations throughout Milwaukee offer COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for various age groups. Call the specific pharmacy or check online before visiting for hours and vaccine ability by brand and age group.

Milwaukee Health Department Community Clinics

MHD offers free, weekly COVID-19 vaccine clinics, no appointment required. The Pfizer and Novavax vaccines, including boosters, are available, and everyone six months and older is eligible. Insurance information will not be collected. All patients 17 and under need parental or guardian consent to receive a vaccine.

Here are the weekly clinic times and locations:

  • Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St.

    • Monday, 3 – 6 p.m.

    • Tuesday, 1 – 4 p.m.

  • Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd.

    • Wednesday, 3 – 6 p.m.

    • Friday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Metro Market pharmacies

Pick N Save pharmacies

Aurora pharmacies and medical center

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photojournalist, Mike De Sisti takes a selfie as he gets his first of two vaccine shots at Walgreens in Mequon, March 3, 2021.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photojournalist, Mike De Sisti takes a selfie as he gets his first of two vaccine shots at Walgreens in Mequon, March 3, 2021.

Walgreens pharmacies

CVS pharmacies

CVS pharmacy locations offer Pfizer-BioNTech, Novavax and Moderna vaccines. Call the specific pharmacy location or check online for brand and age group availability. Drop-in appointments are welcome at all CVS locations on this list. You can also schedule an appointment online. Here are the nearby pharmacy locations:

Ascension clinics

Hayat pharmacies

According to a statement from the company, all Milwaukee-area Hayat Pharmacy locations offer walk-in appointments for people ages 6 and older. Click here for a list of locations and hours.

A promotional COVID vaccination sticker is shown on Tuesday at North Shore Pharmacy in Shorewood. The independently-owned pharmacy is a rarity in an era of large chains such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid.
A promotional COVID vaccination sticker is shown on Tuesday at North Shore Pharmacy in Shorewood. The independently-owned pharmacy is a rarity in an era of large chains such as Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid.

Other pharmacies and locations

Where else can I get a COVID-19 vaccine.

For more COVID-19 vaccination locations, visit vaccines.gov, and enter your zip code to find nearby vaccine locations.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

COVID-19 testing is available at most Walgreens locations, including those listed above, for people 3 and older. Schedule a testing appointment online.

Testing is also available at select CVS locations for those 3 and older.

For more COVID-19 testing locations, visit testinglocator.cdc.gov.

Where can I buy at-home COVID tests?

Though the government is no longer providing free at-home tests, people can buy tests online or at pharmacies and other local retailers, including Amazon, CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart. Tests usually cost under $25 per box.

The Food and Drug Administration has extended the expiration dates of various at-home COVID-19 tests by months and even years. The extended expiration dates by type of test and brand can be found on the FDA's website.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Where to get COVID vaccines and tests in Milwaukee