updated 3/8/2024
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. The more people who get fully vaccinated, the more things we will be able to do again.
Adults 65+ should get another COVID vaccine this spring – updated 3/6/24
Adults ages 65 and older are at higher risk for more severe complications of COVID-19. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed fall and winter 2023 – 2024 COVID-19 hospitalizations and vaccine coverage data. Although COVID-19 hospitalizations were highest in late December/early January, about 20,000 new hospital admissions and 2,000 deaths due to COVID-19 still occur each week in the US. The highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths are in people age 65 years and older. In fact, from October 2023 – January 2024, over two-thirds (67%) of COVID-19 hospitalizations occurred in this people ages 65 and older.
Why is a second COVID vaccine recommended in the spring for those 65+?
Over the past four years, cases of COVID-19 have risen in the summer and in the winter. While COVID-19 levels tend to be higher in the winter than in the summer, it is not as seasonal as flu and RSV where we see almost no cases in the summer. At this point, we still see hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 throughout the warmer months. The CDC says getting an extra dose within the next few months would offer the best protection for a summer peak.
Is the vaccine the same as the one offered in the fall and winter?
The spring vaccine is the same as the fall and winter vaccine. It targets just one strain, the recent variant of the omicron strain, called XBB.1.5.
Where can I get a second COVID vaccine?
Oneida County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccine to those eligible. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. Vaccines are provided 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. To schedule your appointment, call 715-369-6111. If you have questions related to your health or if you should receive the vaccine, talking with your healthcare provider is recommended.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Oneida County Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccine to those eligible. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. Vaccines are provided 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. To schedule your appointment, call 715-369-6111.
BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM
Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) is excited to introduce the Bridge Access Program that provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. This program is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Key Information on the Bridge Access Program and eligibility:
Eligibility: The Bridge Program offers COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to adults 18 years and older who do not have health insurance and adults whose insurance does not provide zero-cost access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Non-Discrimination: The Bridge Access Program will provide no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to all eligible adults through December 31, 2024.
Help Protect Your Child and Your Family
CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible. Some people in your family may need to take more steps to be better protected from COVID-19, including
- Anyone not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines
- People with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions
Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to stopping the pandemic. People who are fully vaccinated can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic. Fully vaccinated people without symptoms do not need to quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19. Help protect your family by getting yourself and your children 12 years and older vaccinated against COVID-19.
