DHS Continues to Recommend the COVID-19 Vaccine for All Wisconsinites 6 Months and Older

As directed by Gov. Tony Evers' Executive Order #275 the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has reviewed the scientific evidence surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Based on this review, DHS issued a statewide standing medical order that allows most Wisconsinites who want the vaccine to get it at pharmacies across the state without a prescription. DHS continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for Wisconsinites 6 months and older during this fall respiratory virus season. This echoes the science-based recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

"Everyone in Wisconsin should be able to make the choice to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19, and that choice should be based on the best available science and medical recommendations," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "As the federal government limits access to the vaccine, we want to reassure Wisconsinites that recommendations from our nation's leading medical associations are clear, and we will work every day to support access to care and resources to help families make the best decisions on how to protect themselves from illness and disease."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the updated 2025-2026 vaccine only for people 65 years and older and those under 65 who have high risk conditions, conflicting with both previous recommendations issued by the CDC and with updated recommendations from the nation's leading medical organizations. These organizations recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive the updated 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for:

• People 65 and older.
• Those who are at risk for sever complications from COVID-19 especially infants and children under age 2, those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who have recently given birth; and children, adolescents, and adults with underlying health conditions.
• Those who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

"Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines lower the chance of severe illness across age groups, and this is especially important for those at higher risk," said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist in the Division of Public Health. "Because the benefits outweigh the risks for almost all people, DHS supports making the updated vaccine available so that every Wisconsinite can decide whether vaccination is the right choice for them."

Availability of the COVID-19 vaccine is anticipated to increase in the state as health care providers receive vaccine from manufacturers. While some providers, clinics, and pharmacies have already received shipments of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine, others are still waiting to receive supplies. Wisconsinites who want to protect themselves against COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their local doctor's office, pharmacy, or community health center to see if they will be offering COVID-19 vaccine this season.

Wisconsin Medicaid will also continue to cover the COVID-19 vaccine for eligible Medicaid members, including children and individuals who are pregnant. All governmental self-funded and fully insured group health plans and individual health plans regulated by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance are also expected to cover, without cost sharing, all costs associated with administration of COVID-19 vaccinations for all policyholders pursuant to their bulletin. Anyone with questions regarding payments of coverage of COVID-19 vaccines should contact their health insurer.

Wisconsinites can get more information about the COVID-19 vaccine from their health care provider or pharmacy, or on the DHS COVID-19: Vaccine webpage. Those who need assistance accessing health care or health care coverage can dial 211 for help finding local resources.