For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – With the federal government set to end the nation’s COVID-19 public health emergency on Thursday, May 11, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) is sharing information on changes, as well as resources that will remain for local residents.
In a release from Monday, May 1, LCHD said it will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease activity and follow up with individuals who test positive to answer questions and share resources.
“Staying home when you are sick and getting tested if you have symptoms continue to be important ways to prevent the spread of illness in our communities,” LCHD stated.
Information regarding disease activity levels in Lincoln County is available at www.bit.ly/4234nyi.
Vaccine recommendations, availability
In April, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made changes to recommendations by retiring monovalent COVID-19 vaccines and authorizing the use of only the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 bivalent vaccines in most circumstances.
“In addition, individuals who are 65 years and older are now eligible to receive an additional dose of the bivalent vaccine four months following their last bivalent booster dose,” LCHD stated. “Individuals who are immunocompromised can also receive an additional dose two months after their last bivalent booster dose. Individuals who never had a COVID-19 vaccine can now receive a single dose of bivalent vaccine.”
After the public health emergency ends, COVID-19 vaccines will still be available free of charge until the federally purchased supply is depleted, according to LCHD. Following supply depletion, those with public or private insurance will be able to access vaccines according to their insurance requirements. Individuals without insurance will be able to access COVID-19 vaccines through LCHD at no charge.
LCHD is continuing to offer no-charge COVID-19 Pfizer bivalent booster vaccines to those 12 years and older at its monthly immunization clinics, held at LCHD, 607 N. Sales St., Merrill, on the second Wednesday of each month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; and the third Wednesday of each month from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Appointments are required.
Learn more at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/covid.
Testing availability
The end of the public health emergency will mean changes to the availability of free testing, according to LCHD.
“PCR tests will likely no longer be free for those without health insurance and may result in a co-pay or out-of-pocket costs for those with health insurance,” LCHD stated. “Home tests will likely become more costly for people regardless of insurance status, although some insurance plans may still cover them.”
Home test kits are still available through Wisconsin’s Say Yes! COVID-19 Test Program through the end of the month while supplies last. Test kits can be ordered at www.sayyescovidhometest.org/.
LCHD said it will continue to provide free home test kits to the public which can be picked up during business hours.
No-charge rapid COVID-19 testing is also available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at LCHD. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted.
Learn more at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/covid.
Treatment options
LCHD said treatments purchased by the federal government will remain free until the supply is depleted.
“Antiviral treatments like Paxlovid and Lagevrio can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death in people with COVID-19,” LCHD stated.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will continue to provide its free COVID-19 treatment telehealth service until Dec. 31. The program helps individuals 18 years and older access treatments.
Learn more at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/telehealth.htm.
More information on COVID-19 and local resources can be found at www.co.lincoln.wi.us/covid. LCHD is also available to answer questions at 715-536-0307.