MADISON, Wis.– UW Health Dr. William Hartman said he always suspected the need for a booster shot was a possibility, and now, they’re a probability.
When to expect a booster dose
This fall, people who received their Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least eight months ago will become eligible for a third booster dose, pending authorization from the FDA. The rollout is expected to begin Sept. 20th with doctors, people living in nursing homes, and other seniors, before expanding to the rest of the population.
“If we can get enough of the population ahead of this virus, we can much more easily manage it going forward,” Hartman told News 3 Now.
“Our knowledge of the virus is growing. Our way of thinking, our way of attacking it is constantly changing,” he added.
The news of a third dose comes less than a week after immunocompromised people became eligible for a booster, and just weeks away from the start of a new school year, Badger football season, and a variety of fall events that could possibly become super-spreaders, for people who aren’t protected.
Where to get your shot
“We’re starting to see people who previously weren’t ready say, ‘Okay, now is a good time,’” explained Christina Gayman, Vice President of Communications for HyVee.
HyVee is among the local pharmacies preparing to offer the booster shot, once it becomes available to the general public.
Gayman says the chain started administering boosters to immunocompromised individuals over the weekend and had several walk-ins ask for a third dose, too. Right now, boosters are not available to just anyone.
Earlier this year, the Alliant Energy Center served as a mass-vaccination site. Public Health Madison & Dane County told News 3 Now, as of now, there is no plan to reopen that for booster doses.
Where we stand in the fight against COVID-19
An average of 7,000 people/day are getting vaccinated in Wisconsin, 2,000 more than this time last month.
Hartman recommends everyone who is eligible for a booster get one, even if they’ve already contracted the delta variant.
“I think having that extra level of confidence is always a good thing,” he said.
Nearly 7,500 people have died from COVID-19 in Wisconsin.
It’s never too late to begin your vaccine series. Pharmacies like HyVee and Walgreens accept walk-ins, and also give the option of scheduling an appointment. Click here to find your nearest vaccine provider today.
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