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COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Guidance for Those Fully Vaccinated

Posted 2/24/2021 by krauter-egge@co.wood.wi.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2/24/21

CONTACT: Susan Kunferman, Wood County Health Department Director/Health Officer

(715) 421-8911

COVID-19 Vaccine Update and Guidance for Those Fully Vaccinated

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine continues to exceed the supply of vaccines distributed each week. Last week the Wood County Health Department requested 1,000 first doses of vaccine from the State of Wisconsin and received only 100 doses. The Health Department requested 1,000 first doses for this week and received only 500 doses. The Federal government owns and controls the distribution of vaccines to the States. As of February 21, 10,653 Wood County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine data is available at COVID-19: Vaccine Data | Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The public is asked for continued patience as we work to vaccinate eligible populations. 

The Wood County Health Department realizes that additional eligible groups will open up on March 1, including essential workers. The Health Department will not be vaccinating these new groups until better progress is made on those 65 and older, as they are at highest risk of hospitalization and death. There are currently about 1,500 individuals in this group on the waiting list. If you are in a newly eligible group or an employer of a newly eligible group, please do not contact the Health Department requesting vaccination as there is currently not an adequate supply to bring in new groups. Another press release will be issued and information will be available on the Wood County Health Department website when Health Department clinics are open to additional eligible groups. 

New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that wearing a cloth mask on top of a disposable mask can stop 92.5% of particles from spreading to people around you by creating a tighter seal. Given this new research, the Health Department encourages the public to wear two masks. Correct and consistent mask use is a critical step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Follow these recommendations when selecting and wearing a mask:

  • Choose one that has two to three layers
  • Wear a cloth mask on top of a disposable mask
  • Make sure the mask fits snug against your face, nose and mouth
  • Handle your mask only by the ear loops, cords, or head straps (avoid touching the surface of the mask)
  • Properly store and wash your cloth mask

The CDC has issued recommendations for people who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. People who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are no longer required to quarantine following close contact with a person with COVID-19, as long as certain criteria are met. The current duration of quarantine exemption for these individuals is limited to 90 days after receiving the last dose in a vaccine series and this exemption begins 14 days after being fully vaccinated with the two dose series. Additionally, the individual must have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure.

Please do not call the Wood County Health Department regarding the COVID-19 vaccine process unless you are an eligible recipient at this time (health care workers, long term care staff and residents, police and fire personnel, adults age 65 and older and direct care personnel). To stay informed on COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and county-level statistics, please watch for future press releases and visit the Wood County Health Department Facebook page or website. If you have questions or immediate needs related to COVID-19, call 2-1-1 or text COVID-19 to 211-211.  

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