Submitted to OnFocus – Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced that starting May 13th, children 12-15 years old are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer is currently the only vaccine available for this age group and takes two doses for full protection. Parent or Guardian consent is needed for children to be vaccinated. For more information about vaccinating youth visit COVID-19: Resources for Parents and Guardians webpage or call 1-844-684-1064 toll-free. Vaccines are available throughout Wood County. To find a vaccine location near you go to www.vaccines.gov.
Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control released updated guidance that fully vaccinated people can participate in activities they did before the pandemic, including indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing. Those who are fully vaccinated do not need to be tested following a known exposure to someone with COVID-19, unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series (such as Pfizer or Moderna), or after one dose of a single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson). The updated mask wearing guidance does not change the current CDC guidance for schools or healthcare. Businesses and others may continue to require masking upon entry regardless of vaccination status.
Wood County Health Department is holding a walk-in clinic on May 24th from 11am-2pm at the Community Center in Nekoosa, 416 Crestview Lane, Nekoosa, WI 54457. The clinic is free with no appointment needed. Due to road construction on Wood Avenue, please take South Section Street to Crestview Lane. All individuals aged 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Both will be available while supplies last. Call the Wood County Health Department with question 715-421-8911.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or the Centers for Disease Control.
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