COVID-19

Vaccine Eligibility

All Wisconsinites ages 6 months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster per Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidance. ThedaCare only recommends vaccines that are deemed to be safe and encourages community members to get vaccinated when they are eligible.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated COVID-19 boosters, which are now available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the boosters for those 6 months and older. The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from COVID-19 vaccines declines over time. Receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine can restore protection and provide enhanced defense against the variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.

Those receiving the vaccine do not need to be ThedaCare patients. ThedaCare has available vaccine appointments open across our service area.

Scheduling Vaccination Appointments

All individuals ages 6 months and older who live, work, or study in Wisconsin may make an appointment to get vaccinated. You can make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment directly through MyThedaCare. COVID-19 vaccines are available through our primary care clinics and pharmacy locations. Note: ThedaCare Pharmacy locations can only administer vaccines to patients 6 and older.

Individuals, including parents or guardians of children ages 6 months to 17, may use MyThedaCare to schedule a vaccine appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

We understand that you may have many questions — and even some concerns — regarding COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have been proven safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Getting vaccinated is an important step we can take to protect those closest to us and reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine safety.

When to Test

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services offers this guidance:

No matter your vaccination status, you should get tested if you were exposed to COVID-19 or if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

• Get tested immediately if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Get tested after being exposed to COVID-19. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should get tested five days after exposure to someone with COVID-19.
• You may need to be tested before or after you travel, even if you are up to date with current vaccine recommendations.
• Consider getting tested before going to a public event or getting together with friends and family.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are awaiting test results, stay home and monitor your symptoms to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How to Test

Testing options include:

• Home tests. The federal government periodically offers free home tests for ordering. To see if free tests are available, visit covid.gov/tests. Self-tests are also available for purchase over-the counter at retailers, pharmacies, and online. Many insurance plans reimburse the cost for home tests up to a certain amount. Check your plan for coverage. See more guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Testing in a clinical setting.* See your health care provider for an in-person COVID-19 test if you’re at high risk for complications and you’re having symptoms. Learn more about high-risk populations.

*Note: Effective 9/1/22, COVID-19 testing and treatment will be billed to uninsured patients, which is similar for any other service.

• Uninsured patients will receive an uninsured discount that is intended to be comparable to the discount they would receive if they have insurance.
• Charges will be submitted to insurance for insured patients. The patient will receive a bill in accordance with their insurance benefits (i.e. copay, deductible).
• All patients (uninsured and insured) have access to our Caring Hearts financial assistance program if they meet the qualifications.