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2nd COVID-19 Booster Available to Ages 50+

Posted 5/5/2022 by kmengel@co.wood.wi.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/1/22
CONTACT: Susan Smith, Wood County Health Department Director/Health Officer
(715) 421-8911


2nd COVID-19 Booster Available to Ages 50+


Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a second Pfizer or Moderna booster
dose for adults age 50 and older and for some people who have compromised immune systems. The second booster dose can be administered at least four months after the first booster dose. In addition, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.


Wood County Health Department will begin offering second booster doses next week, Thursday, April 7 at the River Block Building on Third Floor, 111 W. Jackson St. Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495. Initial COVID-19 vaccine series and first booster doses will also be available. You can schedule an appointment online or call 715-421-8931. If you are unable to go to the third floor, a public health nurse will come to your vehicle. There will be more COVID-19 vaccine clinics scheduled in the future. View the Wood County Health Department website for further details.

Buzzy Bee is now available for use at our vaccine clinics for children or adults. The “Buzzy Bee” device temporarily desensitizes the area to be vaccinated through the use of vibration and cold compress to reduce the discomfort and fear of the injection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized.” COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses protect individuals from severe infection, hospitalization, and death.

As a reminder, if you traveled for spring break, you might have been exposed to COVID-19. Even if you feel well and do not have symptoms, you could still be infected and spread the virus to others. If you are not up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine, we recommend that you self-quarantine at home, monitor for symptoms, and get tested 3-5 days after returning from travel. Check for testing locations near you. If you test positive or develop COVID-19 symptoms, isolate yourself from others and follow the guidance on our website. You do not need to get tested or quarantine if you recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.