Be part of the COVID-19 solution: Mask up indoors; sleeves up for vaccine

As COVID-19 infects family members, friends and neighbors faster than before, we all have an opportunity to care for and support our community, while taking steps to protect ourselves and those close to us.

Be part of the solution to one of the greatest public health efforts of our lifetime. Here is what works:

Vaccination. This incredible feat of modern medicine works with the body's immune system to provide the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death. It's free and available to everyone 12 and older.

Layering protections. COVID-19 vaccination combined with masking, distancing and hand hygiene at work, school, and any indoor, public spaces significantly lowers your risk of COVID-19 infection.

Gundersen continues to see between 40 and 50 COVID-19 patients hospitalized across its seven hospitals at any given time. Many are unvaccinated. COVID-19 patients need more staff and more resources than an average patient.

Getting the vaccine is easy

Anyone age 12 and older, patients or non-patients, can get the free, safe COVID-19 vaccine at Gundersen.

All three approved COVID-19 vaccines are available during walk-in appointments at the Gundersen Onalaska Clinic 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Gundersen is providing COVID-19 third doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccine to high-risk individuals.

COVID-19 vaccine is also available during Onalaska Family Medicine and Pediatrics appointments for those with scheduled appointments, along with primary care appointments at Gundersen regional clinic locations. Please talk to your healthcare provider to get questions answered.

Adult Gundersen patients can walk-in, schedule their appointment through MyChart, or call the scheduling line at (608) 775-6829. Adult non-patients can walk-in or call the scheduling line at (608) 775-6829, option 2, for a vaccine appointment.

Patients under age 18 need parent or guardian consent in person or by calling the Gundersen scheduling line at (608) 775-6829.