BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As we head into the fall and winter months, Brown County Public Health is encouraging the community to stay healthy by getting vaccinated against a “triple threat” of viruses.
“There are now more tools available to keep our community healthy and safe. As the temperatures drop, viruses like Influenza or the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, start to easily spread as people move their activities indoors,” Brown County Public Health Officer Anna Nick said in a news release. “Getting vaccinated helps keep people at work, kids in school, and prepares us to have a safe and healthy holiday season.”
Along with getting vaccinated, the public health department is also urging routine preventative behaviors including:
- Covering coughs and sneezes and using your sleeve or a tissue to do so, not your hand
- Washing your hands, using warm water and soap, for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer as a backup
- Staying home when you’re sick
“Prevention is the key to keeping ourselves and our loved ones healthy,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “I encourage everyone to thoroughly consider what’s best for their individual situation and consider getting vaccinated via your health care provider.”
Below is information on seasonal vaccines the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is recommending, including eligibility requirements, upcoming pediatric vaccine clinics, and insurance resources.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Information:
Brown County Public Health advises that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine.
Older adults, young children, individuals with chronic health issues and those who are pregnant face the highest risk of severe illness, making vaccination especially important.
Public Health is offering two pediatric flu vaccine clinics in October. Children 6 months to 18 years old are encouraged to attend. The clinics will take place at the Central Library (515 Pine Street, Green Bay) on Tues., Oct. 17 and Thurs., Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
RSV Vaccine Information:
Brown County Public Health said that individuals 60 and older and the caretakers of infants and children younger than 19 months should speak to their health care provider to discuss if RSV vaccination or preventative treatment is recommended.
Those 60 and older may be recommended to receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Doses are available now.
Nirsevimab — a newly-approved monoclonal antibody product that provides long-lasting protection from RSV — is recommended for:
- All infants 8 months or younger who were born during, or are entering, their first RSV season
- Children 8-19 months old entering their second season of RSV who are at an increased risk of severe RSV disease
Nirsevimab for infants will be available soon.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
Brown County Public Health recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer, the updated vaccine has been approved, authorized and recommended by national health experts.
- Individuals 5 years of age and older, regardless of previous vaccination, are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
- Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses is dependent on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
- Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna vaccine.
- Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals.
- People may receive either of the vaccines regardless of which vaccine was received in the past.
Provider and Insurance Information:
Individuals who do not have a primary care provider or are underinsured or uninsured, the N.E.W. Community Clinic can assist you in getting vaccinated and receiving other important medical services. Click here for more information.
To locate a free COVID-19 vaccine, visit vaccines.gov or contact your pharmacy/healthcare provider.
