COVID-19 Resources

The Omicron B.1.1.529 variant has many mutations, some of which are quite concerning. Clinical evidence has shown that Omicron is more transmissible (highly contagious) and able to reinfect, compared to other variants of concern (VOCs). As of January 12, 2022, the CDC estimated the Omicron variant accounted for 98.3 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the United States. Sub-variants of Omicron continue to emerge, which has the potential to further its spread. Please see the CDC COVID-19 Website for the most recent information about variants of the virus.

Not necessarily. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) reported on March 7, 2022, that COVID-19 transmission levels in Green Bay and Milwaukee are consistent with surrounding counties. Thanks to the high levels of vaccination and population immunity, the risk of severe hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 is greatly reduced. Please go to the WI DHS COVID-19 Website for the most up-to-date information about the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin.

The Omicron variant is not always mild in children. We are seeing worsening respiratory illness in young children. This includes tracheobronchitis and bronchiolitis reminiscent of croup. Parents often think of “croupy cough” as a lower airway disease, but it’s not. With Omicron, the upper airways are impacted. This can be a problem for young children whose airways are smaller. Younger children who are unvaccinated are most at risk for developing COVID-induced upper airway inflammation. In rare cases, complete airway obstruction can occur. This may require urgent, definitive airway management. Some children require hospital admission, supplemental oxygen, and even ventilatory support. Learn about keeping kids healthy on the WI DHS COVID-19 Website.

Currently, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after:

• Two doses of the Pfizer® and Moderna® vaccines -or-
• One dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen® vaccine.

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However, the definition of fully vaccinated could change. “Optimal vaccination” (i.e., providing the greatest protection) does include booster immunizations in most age groups. Please see the CDC COVID-19 Website for more information about COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters.

Vaccinations provide the greatest protection against COVID-19 and its most serious symptoms. According to Wisconsin DHS data (from December 2021), people not fully vaccinated are:

• Diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 3x higher than fully vaccinated people
• Hospitalized with COVID-19 at a rate 10x higher than fully vaccinated people
• Dying from COVID-19 at a rate 14x higher than people who were fully vaccinated

Yes, to both. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people who are pregnant or lactating. Approval by a healthcare professional is not required before receiving the vaccination, according to the CDC. However, if you are concerned about the use of a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or lactating, a discussion with your clinical provider team may help in deciding.

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Increased risks for severe illness exist for pregnant and recently pregnant people (for at least 42 days following the end of pregnancy) with COVID-19, when compared with non-pregnant people. Pregnant people with COVID-19 are also at increased risk for preterm birth, stillbirth, and other pregnancy complications. For these reasons, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people who are pregnant. Please visit the FDA Website and CDC COVID-19 Website for more information.

Yes. Getting both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time is safe. Clinical studies and real-world experience have proven that you can receive both at the same time. Please visit the FDA Website for the most up-to-date information.

Probably not. Studies have determined that immunity from having a COVID-19 infection drops rather quickly. Unvaccinated people may still get very sick and could actually die of a repeat COVID-19 infection. Even people who were quite ill with COVID-19 are at risk for being infected with one of the variants of concern. We saw this happen during the Delta surge in the fall of 2021. Reinfection primarily occurs because new variants are genetically different to prior variants due to mutations. For example, Omicron has over thirty (30) different mutations, which makes Omicron incredibly contagious and very risky for unvaccinated individuals.