Amid the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the Food and Drug Administration authorized and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended to expand eligibility of COVID-19 boosters to all individuals 18 and older who received their second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months earlier. U.S. regulators had previously authorized boosters for those who received Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose vaccine two months after their primary dose.
ThedaCare is now scheduling booster appointments for those 18 and older who are eligible to receive the additional protection against the virus. This is in addition to groups previously approved for boosters, such as health care workers and those age 65 and older.
According to the CDC, boosters underwent “critical scientific evaluation” and based on “compelling evidence” are considered safe and effective for those 18 and older.
“With the holidays upon us and COVID cases rising rapidly, now is the time to receive a booster, if eligible, to bolster your protection and decrease the likelihood of serious illness, hospitalization or death,” said Dr. Mark Cockley, ThedaCare Chief Clinical Officer. “We’d also like to encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated and is eligible, to get vaccinated against COVID-19.”
Patients have the opportunity to mix and match vaccine manufacturers per CDC recommendations. For example, if individuals received Pfizer for their initial vaccine series, they can choose Moderna or Johnson and Johnson for their booster. ThedaCare patients are able to schedule a booster dose from any manufacturer where appointments and that particular vaccine are available.
In addition to recent updates about adult booster vaccines, the CDC approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s lower-dose COVID vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Appointments are available at this time in various locations throughout the ThedaCare service area.
How to Schedule
ThedaCare will continue to manage COVID-19 vaccine scheduling through the preferred method of MyThedaCare/My Chart. This process ensures a single channel of coordination of the vaccine and that the vaccine becomes part of patients’ electronic medical records. ThedaCare patients and community members can also schedule appointments by calling 920.830.6877 or 800.236.2236.
Available appointments will show, based on which vaccine(s) are selected, and patients can select their preferred appointment time and location. Please check back if available appointments are unavailable or do not work for your schedule. ThedaCare is building vaccine schedules based on available doses and resources. Eligible community members can also seek a booster vaccination by visiting www.vaccines.gov/ to find additional locations.
Individuals do not need to be an established ThedaCare patient to a receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots, additional COVID-19 doses or any COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re not a current ThedaCare patient or do not have MyThedaCare, you can set up a free account at MyThedaCare.org. MyThedaCare is also accessible on mobile devices through the MyChart app (available on both iOS and Android).
Create a MyThedaCare Account:
- Visit MyThedaCare.org
- Click “Sign Up Now” and follow the prompts
- Visit MyThedaCare today to ensure your account information is up to date*. Then monitor your email and app alerts in the coming weeks for your notification.
If you cannot find the information you need or are having trouble accessing your MyThedaCare account, please call the MyThedaCare technical help desk at 877.259.6180.
All children who are being vaccinated will need to have a parent/guardian with them at the vaccination appointment for consent. Written consent will not be accepted.
Protecting Our Communities
In addition to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, ThedaCare recommends all communities adhere to masking guidelines from the CDC, stay home when you are feeling sick, get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and physically distance when you are with others outside of your household.
“Our collective communities have the power to change what is currently taking place,” said Dr. Cockley. “As we enjoy this holiday season, we must continue focusing on the health of our communities, and take the actions necessary to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in Northeast and Central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 600,000 residents in 17 counties and employs approximately 7,000 health care professionals. ThedaCare has 180 points of care, including seven hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique best lives. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, finding solutions together, and encouraging health awareness and action. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
