New metrics show coverage by county, demographics
For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) late last month updated the COVID-19 vaccines for Wisconsin residents dashboard (www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-data.htm#residents) to include booster and additional dose data.
A new button allows users to filter vaccination coverage to view data for those who have received an additional or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The most recent data show that roughly 33% of Wisconsinites have received an additional or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“Booster and additional COVID-19 vaccine doses are crucial in the fight against this virus, especially as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the state,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “This data will help us identify areas where we can improve our vaccine outreach efforts and ensure that Wisconsinites are staying up to date with their vaccinations, which provides the best protection against COVID-19.”
DHS said booster doses are recommended for everyone ages 12 and older. People who received Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are eligible to receive a booster dose at least five months after completing their primary vaccine series. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently the only one recommended for 12- to 17-year-olds at this time.
“Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine increases vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death,” DHS stated. “With the record high-level of disease transmission that Wisconsin experienced in January due to the spread of the Omicron variant, DHS strongly recommends that everyone who is eligible to get a booster should get one as soon as possible. The booster dose can strengthen and extend their protection against infection, serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.”
DHS said it supports the CDC updates for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised addressing the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses needed and the appropriate timing between doses. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received the three-dose primary Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series should receive a total of four vaccine doses:
- A primary series of three doses, followed by one booster dose at least three months (previously at least five months) after the last primary dose.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received a single Johnson and Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine primary series should receive a total of three vaccine doses:
- One J&J dose, followed by one additional Pfizer or Moderna, then one booster dose. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred for the booster dose.
DHS also made several other updates to COVID-19 data visualizations.
Date sliders have been added to COVID-19 cases and deaths graphs by county. Users can use the sliders to zoom in on data within a certain date range.
The facility-wide investigations page has been updated to include both confirmed and probable cases. Data prior to Feb. 1, 2022 uses only confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Additionally, new variables related to positive PCR/NAA tests were added to the historical download data table at the state and county levels. Users will now be able to download all important metrics, including percent positivity, in one file.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider in your community, visit www.Vaccines.gov, or call 211 or 877-947-2211.
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 at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-dose.htm.