The Food and Drug Administration recently authorized and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended to expand eligibility of COVID-19 boosters to all individuals 12 and older. Adolescents in that age group are eligible to receive a booster dose five months after their second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Because Pfizer’s vaccine and booster shots are the only ones that have been cleared for use in children under 18, “mixing and matching” vaccines and boosters is not an option for this age group.
ThedaCare is now scheduling booster vaccin-ations for those 12 and older.
“Hospitalizations of children infected with COVID are rising in the U.S. as the highly contagious omicron variant continues to spread,” said Dr. Mark Cockley, ThedaCare Chief Clinical Officer. “Multiple studies have shown that booster shots significantly increase protection against infection and severe illness. Vaccines are safe and effective, and ThedaCare strongly encourages boosters for those who are eligible.”
At least 7.8 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic started, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In addition to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, ThedaCare recommends all communities adhere to masking guidelines from the CDC, stay home when you are feeling sick, get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and physically distance when you are with others outside of your household.
Appointments are avail-able at this time in various locations throughout the ThedaCare service area. Children who are being vaccinated will need to have a parent/guardian with them at the vaccination appointment for consent. Written consent will not be accepted.
ThedaCare will continue to manage COVID-19 vaccine scheduling through the preferred method of MyThedaCare/My Chart. This process ensures a single channel of coordination of the vaccine and that the vaccine becomes part of patients’ electronic medical records. ThedaCare patients and community members can also schedule appointments by calling 920.830.6877 or 800.236.2236.
Available appointments will show, based on which vaccine(s) are selected, and patients can select their preferred appointment time and location. Please check back if available appointments are unavailable or do not work for your schedule. ThedaCare is building vaccine schedules based on available doses and resources. Eligible community members can also seek a booster vaccination by visiting www.vaccines.gov/ to find additional locations.
Individuals do not need to be an established ThedaCare patient to a receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots, additional COVID-19 doses or any COVID-19 vaccination. If you’re not a current ThedaCare patient or do not have MyThedaCare, you can set up a free account at MyThedaCare.org. MyThedaCare is also accessible on mobile devices through the MyChart app (available on both iOS and Android).
Create a MyThedaCare Account:
•Visit MyThedaCare.org
•Click “Sign Up Now” and follow the prompts
•Visit MyThedaCare today to ensure your account information is up to date*. Then monitor your email and app alerts in the coming weeks for your notification.
If you cannot find the information you need or are having trouble accessing your MyThedaCare account, please call the MyThedaCare technical help desk at 877-259-6180.
