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MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that half of the state’s entire population have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series. Nearly 3 million Wisconsinites are fully vaccinated, including over 60 percent of adults.
“This is an incredible milestone, and we are proud to see the millions of Wisconsinites who have taken this step to protect themselves and their community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant,” said Gov. Evers. “We are closer than we were yesterday, but we can’t let our guard down now. We still have a ways to go. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect our families, our kids, and our communities.”
For the fourth week in a row, Wisconsin has seen a steady uptick in weekly doses administered. However, new confirmed cases are also increasing as the more contagious Delta variant continues to spread throughout the state with those who are unvaccinated at the most risk. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in communities. While vaccination remains critical to slowing the spread of the Delta variant, layering additional strategies, including mask wearing, staying home when you’re sick, physical distancing, getting tested if you’re experiencing symptoms, can all help protect those who are vulnerable to COVID-19.
“One of the most effective tools in our toolbox is vaccination. With the current surge in cases, masking up and getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms are also necessary steps we can take to help protect ourselves and those around us,” said DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk. “This pandemic has reminded us that our own health depends on the health of our community. We urge anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to join their friends and neighbors across Wisconsin and get your COVID-19 vaccine.”
Everyone 12 and up is eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine, and you do not need an ID or insurance to get it. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in your community visit Vaccines.gov, or call 211 or 877-947-2211. The Wisconsin State Fair, in collaboration with DHS, is offering an on-site vaccine clinic through the end of the Fair, August 15. Anyone who gets their COVID-19 vaccine at the State Fair receives a voucher for a free cream puff, redeemable at the Cream Puff Pavilion.
If you are among the millions who have already gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, you can help play a pivotal role in helping address barriers that your friends and family may be facing. We encourage you to have conversations about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, help someone find an appointment, offer rides or child care, or help them reach out to a health care professional or member of the community that they trust for guidance.
For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.
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