The Rock County Public Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) both support the recent FDA authorization and CDC recommendation for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for all adults age 18 and older.
The CDC recommends that anyone 18 and older receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) or Moderna vaccines. For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster doses are recommended two months after receiving the initial dose. While it is recommended that everyone who is eligible receive a COVID-19 booster dose, booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone at high-risk for severe disease.
The CDC also recommended that health care professionals be allowed to provide a different COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose than the one initially received, providing flexibility to health care providers and additional options for individuals. This mix-and-match recommendation applies to all three COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States. Pregnant people can receive any of the currently FDA-approved or FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose. Currently, booster doses are not recommended for individuals under age 18.
“Booster doses are intended to help people who are vaccinated maintain the highest possible level of immune system protection for as long as possible,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist for DHS. “Getting everyone vaccinated continues to be our top priority for preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19. Too many of us remain unprotected going into the winter season. Getting a booster dose when it’s time to do so, and continuing to get our children 5 and older vaccinated will slow the spread of the virus and save lives.”
The AMI-hosted Community-Based Vaccination Clinic that was previously located at Blackhawk Technical College is expanding its hours to meet the surge given the recent approvals of the 5- to 11-year old Pfizer vaccine and booster doses for anyone age 18 and older. Now located in the former Rock County Job Center at 1900 Center Avenue in Janesville, the Community-Based Vaccination Clinic is extending its hours beginning November 30, 2021.
Expanded Hours, beginning November 30, 2021:
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| Tuesdays | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Wednesdays | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Thursdays | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Fridays | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Saturdays | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
The extended hours will remain in effect until the end of 2021.
The Community-Based Vaccination Clinic will be closed on November 25, December 24, December 25, December 31 and January 1, 2022.
The Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines are all available at this vaccination site. There is no cost to participate, and no documentation or insurance is required. Registration is available at vaccinate.wi.gov. Walk-ins are also welcome. Children under 18 years of age require parental consent and should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We strongly encourage Rock County residents who are not vaccinated to take advantage of the expanded hours at this Community-Based Vaccination Clinic through the end of 2021. Booster doses are also available at this location. To explore other Rock County options for vaccination, visit RockCountyShot.com or Vaccines.gov. For transportation assistance, phone 211 to arrange a ride.
As always, please continue to wash your hands with soap and water, stay home if you are sick, and get vaccinated to protect yourself, your families, and your friends. Please also continue to test if exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been in close contact with anyone who has COVID-19, and then follow quarantine guidelines while you wait for your results and follow isolation guidelines if you test positive.
Please visit https://rebrand.ly/RCPHD-COVID-Testing to learn more about all the latest testing options in our region, as there are many options available, and things can change quickly.