For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced on Monday, May 23 that it supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s recommendation that children ages 5-11 should receive a booster dose five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccination series.

“With this recommendation, DHS and CDC now recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to everyone five and older,” DHS said in a release. “The CDC also recently strengthened another booster recommendation, encouraging people 12 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, and people 50 and older to get a second COVID-19 booster dose.”

“The recommendation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for 5-11-year-olds provides parents with an excellent opportunity to ensure their children receive additional protection from COVID-19 prior to summer activities,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “We encourage everyone five and older to join the more than two million Wisconsinites who have already gotten their boosters or additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines is the best protection for preventing the worst outcomes from this virus.”

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the currently only vaccine authorized and recommended for 5-17-year-olds for the primary series and booster doses.

“DHS strongly recommends that everyone who is eligible to get a booster should get one as soon as possible,” DHS stated. “Booster doses can strengthen and extend protection against infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.”

“Clinical research demonstrated that a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine given after the second dose to children ages 5-11 helps give added protection against COVID-19, including infections from Omicron,” said Stephanie Schauer, Ph.D., Division of Public Health Immunization Program Manager.

DHS noted that anyone in Wisconsin can get vaccinated at no cost – including individuals who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover COVID-19 vaccination.

To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider, visit www.Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211.

For additional information about booster doses and additional doses, as well as help accessing your COVID-19 vaccine record to determine when you may be recommended for a booster, visit the DHS Boosters & Staying Up to Date with Your Vaccines webpage at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-booster.htm.