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Wisconsin Department of Health Services Urge Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated Against Respiratory Illness

Friday, September 13th, 2024 -- 9:00 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses this fall.

An updated COVID-19 and a new annual flu vaccine are now available to protect against COVID-19 and flu strains circulating this season. RSV vaccines are also available for people who are eligible, including most older adults and people who are pregnant.

An RSV antibody to protect infants from severe illness will be available October 1. Currently in Wisconsin, COVID-19 activity is elevated statewide, especially in children younger than 5 years old and adults over the age of 65.

Flu and RSV activity is low, but levels are expected to increase. DHS recommends the following seasonal vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. DHS recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant and young child immunization with monoclonal antibodies to prevent severe disease in infants.

Most infants will not need both. Certain pregnant people should get the maternal RSV vaccine to protect their infant, because infants are especially at risk of severe RSV. CDC recommends one dose of the vaccine be given to pregnant people when they are 32–36 weeks and 6 days pregnant, between September 1 and January 31.

If a pregnant person does not receive the maternal RSV vaccine, an RSV antibody shot is recommended for infants less than 8 months old and some toddlers to protect them from severe RSV. This antibody, called nirsevimab, will be available October 1- March 31.

Vaccine appointments are being made available by health care providers, clinics, and pharmacies as shipments of vaccine arrive. To find and schedule a vaccine, Wisconsin residents are encouraged to check with their primary care provider, local or Tribal health department, community clinic, or visit vaccines.gov.

If they do not have health insurance, or their health insurance does not cover vaccines, there are programs that can help, including the Vaccines for Children program and Vaccines for Adults program. Eligible Wisconsinites can get their flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccine at the same time.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.