COVID-19 vaccine keeps us from going in the wrong direction

For the first time since early February, Wisconsin has exceeded 1,000 new daily COVID-19 cases. In the last two weeks, the state's seven-day rolling average for cases rose more than 300%. Case rates in Gundersen's service area are following this trend.

Those who are eligible but have not been vaccinated are among those most at risk for COVID-19 infection and related complications, including hospitalization and death.

Anyone age 12 and older, patients or non-patients, can get the free, safe COVID-19 vaccine at Gundersen. Please talk to your healthcare provider to get answers to questions. The vaccines are the surest way to keep cases from tending in the wrong direction and to end the pandemic.

Vaccinate before returning to school

Students of all ages return to classrooms in about a month. The COVID-19 vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe illness and, depending on current case rates, the need for masking, distancing and other health and safety measures. Eligible, unvaccinated students should get their first dose right away so they can be fully vaccinated shortly after the start of the new school year. Pfizer vaccine is available for anyone age 12 and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are available for anyone age 18 and older.

How to get the vaccine

All three approved COVID-19 vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson – are available during walk-in appointments at the Gundersen Onalaska Clinic 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

COVID-19 vaccine is available during Onalaska Family Medicine appointments for those with scheduled appointments and in the next week or so during Onalaska Pediatrics appointments.

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.