What The Greenfield Health Department Says About Booster Shots

GREENFIELD, WI — Those in Greenfield who previously recieved two shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are now eligible for a third booster shot.

Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are among the first people recommended to get the additional shot, but should you get it? Patch asked Darren Rausch from the Greenfield Health Department just that.

Click here to find a vaccine dose near you.

The CDC announced the news this week alongside data supporting the need for a booster shot for people who got the Pfizer vaccine. Other vaccines have yet to be approved for booster shots.

Studies show immunity against COVID-19 decreases over time, which can make people more susceptible to the delta variant. Vaccination remains effective at preventing severe disease, but a booster shot was proven to increase the immune response, according to the CDC.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services agreed with the CDC study and asserted Wisconsin supports the recommendation to get a third dose.

"Vaccination is one of the most effective mitigation measures," Rausch said in an e-mail. "Vaccination is the path out of this pandemic."

Here's what your local health officials said about getting a booster shot in Greenfield:

What should residents know and take into consideration when deciding to get a vaccine dose or not?

Rausch: The driving force for booster shots is because the scientific evidence has demonstrated waning immunity following the Pfizer two-shot series for certain individuals who are at greater risk for COVID-19 related complications:

• people 65 years and older
• those 18 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
• those 18 years or older who reside in long-term care settings
• those 18 to 64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure because of occupation (i.e., teachers, healthcare, correctional facilities, homeless shelters)

What is the Greenfield Health Department's plan when it comes to rolling out third doses?

Rausch: The Greenfield Health Department has continued small clinic operations in our department for the past several months. These clinic operations have included first and second doses more often, but can expand to include third doses as well.

Residents interested in either a first or second dose of any vaccine, or seeking a 3rd dose of the Pfizer vaccine, can call the department with questions or to schedule an appointment, 414-329-5275.

Additionally, many area clinics and pharmacies have the ability to provide vaccinations as well and are good resources for residents as well.

How does the decision impact the number of vaccines locally in stock? How may it impact it in the future?

Rausch: More recently, we’ve been keeping small quantities of all three COVID-19 vaccines in stock. We didn’t provide a lot of Pfizer vaccine in the winter and spring, so it’s difficult to know what demand we will be seeing in the coming weeks. We’ll continue to monitor the demand and place additional orders for vaccine as needed.

It is important to note here, too, that federal leadership has stated that there is sufficient supply of Pfizer to provide 3rd doses in addition to future doses for the 5-11 year olds.

We’re hearing that Pfizer has submitted documentation seeking Emergency Use Authorization for its vaccine for the 5-11 year old group; it is likely that this review could be completed and approval granted within the next month or two.

Other takeaways:

Rausch wrote Patch saying that COVID-19 has been on a significant increase in the area since late July. To that end, layered measures are effective at reducing personal risks and reducing transmission. Those layered mitigations are bed rocked in vaccines.

"Unvaccinated individuals are 4x more likely to develop disease, 9x more likely hospitalization, and 11x more likely death," Rausch said.

Click here to find a vaccine dose near you.