Gundersen encourages vaccination, masking to help reduce the strain on healthcare amid climbing COVID-19 hospitalizations

The COVID-19 Delta variant infecting the unvaccinated population is driving new cases and hospitalizations. This variant is believed to cause two times more contagious than the original strain. COVID-19 patients in Gundersen Health System's care are generally younger and sicker than in previous months.

With students of all ages returning to school in the next few weeks, it's incredibly important everyone who is eligible get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccinated kids age 12 and older can protect their peers and school staff; parents and other adults can protect their kids and other peoples' kids.

Gundersen needs help to protect our communities and ease the strain on healthcare providers.

The most important things to do right now:

Get vaccinated – COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and the surest way to protect against COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death.

Wear a mask – This is important in indoor, public places if you're vaccinated or unvaccinated. Layering protections on top of vaccine – masking, distancing, hand hygiene – significantly lowers your risk of COVID infection.

How to get the vaccine

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 – 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 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.