Public Health Madison & Dane County is expanding its clinic hours and adding availability on weekends, in an effort to meet demand for the newly updated COVID-19 boosters.
On September 7, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced updated booster recommendations, following the authorization of a new bivalent booster.
The new boosters contain an updated formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and protects against the newer Omicron variants, including BA.4 and BA.5. The CDC estimates the BA.5 subvariant makes up nearly 89% of all new cases.
“These updated boosters vaccines are designed to target the variants that account for most of the current cases in our community right now. With respiratory virus season upon us, these boosters are our best chance to reduce risk of severe illness and fight any potential surges as we head into fall and winter,” said Janel Heinrich, director of Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Currently, appointments for Pfizer’s bivalent booster are available at several mobile clinics as well as the South Madison and East Washington Public Health office locations:
· South Madison: 2230 S. Park Street, Madison
Mondays, 9 am – 7 pm
Saturdays (starting 9/24), 8 am – 11 am
· East Washington: 2705 E. Washington Ave, Madison
Tuesdays, 9 am – 7 pm
Additionally, in partnership with DHS and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, two recurring clinics will also open at Warner Park Community Recreation Center (1625 Northport Drive, Madison) and inside the indoor shelter at Elver Park (1250 McKenna Boulevard, Madison). These clinics are currently walk-in only, while supplies last.
“We know there are many people who have been waiting for these reformulated boosters, so we want them to know if you are looking for your dose, there are options available to you throughout Dane County,” said Sara Camacho, supervisor of COVID vaccination and Access to Care.
Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for everyone 12 and older, Moderna’s updated booster is recommended for adults 18 and older. The CDC recommends everyone who is eligible stay up to date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID shot or at least 3 months after a COVID infection.
To schedule an appointment, visit www.publichealthmdc.com/vax. You can also follow @publichealthmdc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on COVID-19.
