MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wisconsin health officials have laid out who should receive booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week authorized booster shots for those who previously received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Monday released its list of people who it recommends for the third dose. DHS says those who should get their booster at least six months after their second dose are:
People 65 years and older
All residents in long-term care
People ages 50–64 years with certain underlying medical conditions:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
Dementia or other neurological conditions
Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
Down syndrome
Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension)
HIV infection
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
Liver disease
Overweight and obesity
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease or thalassemia
Smoking, current or former
Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
Substance use disorders
DHS recommends that these people may receive a booster dose of Pfizer at least six months after receiving their second dose of Pfizer vaccine, after considering their individual risks and benefits:
People ages 18–49 years with certain underlying medical conditions
People ages 18–64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or institutional settings.
Occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission include front line essential workers and health care workers:
First responders (health care workers, firefighters, police, staff at congregate care facilities)
Education staff (teachers, support staff, childcare workers)
Food and agriculture workers
Manufacturing workers
Corrections workers
U.S. Postal Service workers
Public transit workers
Grocery store workers
This list could be updated in the future
To find a vaccine provider near you, visit vaccines.gov.
