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FDA Approval of Pfizer, 3rd Dose Available for Immunocompromised, and Community Testing

Posted 9/1/2021 by krauter-egge@co.wood.wi.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9/1/21

CONTACT: Susan Kunferman, Wood County Health Department Director/Health Officer

(715) 421-8911

FDA Approval of Pfizer, 3rd Dose Available for Immunocompromised, and Community Testing

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Pfizer vaccine for individuals ages 16 years and older. The vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA) for individuals 12-15 years of age.

An additional dose is recommended for people who may not have received adequate protection from their initial vaccine series. For example, studies show some people who have weakened immune systems don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are recommended to get an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) to increase their immune response so they have better protection against COVID-19. People who received a Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine are not recommended to receive an additional dose at this time because of limited data. 

An additional dose is not to be confused with a booster dose. A “booster dose” is a vaccine dose given to people when the immune response to a primary vaccine series is likely to have decreased over time. The need for and timing of a COVID-19 booster dose has not yet been established, and at this time, booster doses have not been recommended. The CDC and FDA continue to review evidence and data as it is available about whether or when booster doses for the broader U.S. public may be needed, and will update guidance as more information becomes available.

Self-registration is now available on the Wood County Health Department website for upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Additional COVID-19 vaccine doses are available for people with compromised immune systems. Click here for more information or call 715-421-8911.

Wisconsin residents who get their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine from vaccinators in Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin can get a $100 Visa gift card! Wisconsinites 12 years old and older are eligible and no proof of insurance, citizenship, or ID is required. Get more details at dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/100.htm

According to the WI Department of Health Services, between 8/11/2021 - 8/24/2021, Wood County had very high case activity. More information about case activity can be found here. The CDC recommends everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, wear a face covering when indoors and around large groups of people. 

Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing will be available in Wisconsin Rapids in a city parking lot on 3rd Avenue between the Centralia Center and Tribune building from 9:00am-12:30pm on September 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10. No appointment is needed; PCR tests will be done. Please allow 2-5 days for results.  

Wood County Health Department wishes everyone a safe and healthy school year. Masking is the safest way for everyone in schools to protect themselves and prevent transmission to others. A layered approach is recommended to keep people in communities safe and healthy; maintain physical distance, practice good hygiene, stay home and get tested when you are sick, and get vaccinated if you are eligible. 

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