DHS Encourages Respiratory Vaccinations

Holidays are a busy time for travel, gathering with family and friends, and getting sick. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to stay healthy. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) data show only 22% of Wisconsinites have received a flu shot this season, and just11% have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine. With flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases starting to rise, now is the time to get a vaccine.

DHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following respiratory vaccines:

Flu for everyone six months and older.

COVID-19 for everyone six months and older. People 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are recommended to receive a second dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after the first dose.

RSV for pregnant people, young children under nine months, and adults 75 years and older. Young children ages 9 to 19 months and adults ages 60 to 74 with increased risk of RSV are also encouraged to get immunized.

To find and schedule a vaccine, you are encouraged to check with your primary care provider, local or Tribal health department, community clinic, or visit vaccines.gov. Wisconsinites can also call 211 or 877-947-2211 for help scheduling a vaccine appointment. 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.