As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives and our community, we know many people are eager to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. We are eager and ready to provide the vaccine according to national and state guidelines as we receive supplies from the state. Here is the latest information we have to share.
- We have been given permission by the state to begin vaccinating people ages 65 and older.
- As our supply of vaccine from the state is limited, the Froedtert & MCW health network is currently vaccinating our patients who are 65 years of age or older. If you are our patient and meet this criteria, you will be contacted directly to schedule your vaccination. Learn more about how to prepare.
- As the vaccination supply becomes more available, we look forward to offering the vaccine as broadly as we can as soon as possible, while continuing to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidelines. By summer, we hope to have enough vaccine for everyone in our communities.
- We are not offering a waiting list at this time, but will continue to provide updates regarding availability to our patients and the community so that you can receive your vaccination as soon as possible.
- If you have questions about the vaccines, we encourage you to refer to the list of questions and answers below to help save you time before you call your provider’s office.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will be one of the best ways to protect yourself and everyone around you. When a vaccine becomes available to you, you can count on us to offer safe and easy ways to receive it.
What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Vaccines
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines effective during clinical trials in preventing COVID-19. The FDA carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
- It took less time to develop the COVID-19 vaccine because it is an mRNA vaccine, not a conventional vaccine. While it took less than a year to develop the COVID-19 vaccines, the technology used to create them was developed after 30 years of research. What is the difference?
- Conventional vaccines. Many vaccines, like the flu vaccine, require lots of bacteria or virus to be inactivated in a lab first. Growing conventional vaccines takes months to years.
- mRNA vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine is not a conventional vaccine — it is an mRNA vaccine. mRNA vaccines are made in a lab. No virus is needed to make the vaccine. Because it is synthetic, it can be produced faster in response to large outbreaks. mRNA does not affect or interact with a person’s DNA.
- Conventional vaccines. Many vaccines, like the flu vaccine, require lots of bacteria or virus to be inactivated in a lab first. Growing conventional vaccines takes months to years.
- The COVID-19 vaccines were found effective during clinical trials in preventing COVID-19 and serious COVID-19 illness. The FDA’s scientific reviewers found the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 illness from seven days after receiving the second dose. Moderna was 94.1% effective in preventing from 14 days after receiving the second dose.
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When can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
We are vaccinating individuals in phases based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Wisconsin Department of Health Services guidelines. In Wisconsin, we are currently in Phase 1b, which includes individuals 65 years of age or older. As our supply of the vaccine from the state is limited, we are currently vaccinating patients who are 65 years of age or older.
In Wisconsin, the vaccine is not yet available to individuals in phases 2 and 3 (general population). We will share information as it is learned regarding the details and timing of future phases.
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How will I know when a vaccine is available to me? Can I get on a waiting list?
As we continue to get increased quantities of the vaccines, we will begin vaccinating our patients as they become eligible, based on CDC guidelines. When eligible, patients will be contacted directly with information about how to schedule vaccinations at one of our locations.
Once the supply is more available, and as directed by the CDC and Wisconsin Department of Health Services, we will offer the vaccines as broadly as we can as soon as possible.
There is not a waiting list at this time. We will keep our patients and community informed as more vaccine become available.
To help stay connected with us, download the Froedtert & MCW mobile app and link your MyChart account.
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My job helps me or my employees meet eligibility requirements for Phase 1a or 1b. How can I get the vaccine for myself or my employees?
If you meet current phase eligibility for vaccination, you can follow the steps that apply to you.
- I’m an INDIVIDUAL whose job makes me eligible.
Reach out to your employer or local health department to learn about your vaccination options. You may need extra patience while these groups wait to receive vaccine for all eligible people in their area. - I’m an EMPLOYER seeking vaccinations for eligible employees.
Complete our vaccination interest form to indicate how many employees, affiliates or volunteers are seeking vaccinations through your organization. Our team will reach out with next steps when your group is confirmed to be eligible and we have vaccine available. Read about our program and review our FAQs about vaccinating employees.
- I’m an INDIVIDUAL whose job makes me eligible.
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I meet the Phase 1b eligibility requirements and am a Froedtert & MCW patient. How can I get the vaccine?
We are offering the vaccines to our patients based on available vaccine quantities at select Froedtert & MCW locations. Appointments are required.
If you are 65 years of age or older, and are a current Froedtert & MCW patient, you will receive a notification when it is time to schedule your vaccination appointments. Learn more about how to prepare.
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Is the vaccination mandatory?
At this time, the state of Wisconsin is not mandating COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers or the general public.
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Which COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use?
Currently, there are two COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the FDA for emergency use.
- Learn more about the Pfizer vaccine.
- Learn more about the Moderna vaccine.
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How is the vaccine administered?
When a vaccine becomes available to you, it will be given through two shots in the arm, approximately 21-28 days apart. The second shot is needed in order for the vaccine to work properly.
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Where can I get a vaccine?
As the vaccines are rolled out across the country and worldwide, we will have more information about distribution at Froedtert & MCW locations. In the meantime, we recommend staying connected with us by downloading the Froedtert & MCW mobile app and linking your MyChart account.
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Am I still eligible to receive a vaccine if I’ve had COVID-19?
Yes, you may receive a vaccine if you have already had COVID-19 infection, are not acutely ill, and have met the CDC criteria for discontinuing isolation.
- At least 10 days have passed since symptom onset, and,
- At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, and,
- Other symptoms have improved.
Currently there are no recommendations regarding the minimum time between infection and vaccination. If you have had a prior COVID-19 infection, you may delay vaccination for 90 days after the infection, since reinfection is not common during this time frame.
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Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have recently received a different vaccinations?
If you have recently received a different vaccination, including a flu or shingles vaccine, you should wait at least 14 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
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What is the cost of the vaccine?
Vaccine doses will be offered at no cost. There is an administration fee to be vaccinated; however, it is covered by all health insurers. Froedtert & MCW health network will not bill uninsured patients for the administration fee. There will be no out-of-pocket costs to individuals for the vaccine or administration.
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Are there any known side effects?
Mild to moderate side effects including fever, body aches and chills may occur in some people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Your arm may feel sore at the place where the shot was given for several days afterward.
- Review a complete list of known side effects of the Pfizer vaccine.
- Review a complete list of known side effects of the Moderna vaccine.
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Do I still have to wear a mask if I get vaccinated for COVID-19?
Yes, we know that the vaccines are highly effective in making sure you do not get sick with COVID-19 but we do not know for sure if you can or cannot spread COVID-19 after you get a vaccine. Therefore, people who receive a vaccine should continue to take simple precautions to keep themselves and others safe. This includes:
- Wearing a mask in public places
- Maintaining a safe, six-foot distance from others
- Washing your hands often
- Staying home and self-isolating, if ill
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If I have an underlying health condition, can I get the vaccine?
There is currently no data that suggests having an underlying health condition is a reason to avoid getting the vaccine.
In fact, those with an underlying illness or health condition are at an increased risk of developing severe side effects or hospitalization due to COVID-19.
If you have any condition that weakens your immune system, you may not have protection against COVID-19 infection. However, it is safe to receive the vaccine if you are immunocompromised. For instance, if you are infected with HIV, are on immunosuppressive medication, or a transplant recipient, there are no safety concerns but you may not get as strong a protective response.
You should address your individual concerns with your primary medical provider.
Find more information and answers to some common questions about COVID-19 and the vaccine for the following conditions or groups:
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Will the COVID-19 vaccines impact my fertility, fertility treatments or pregnancy?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA vaccines that do not contain live virus. Because these vaccines are not composed of live virus, experts from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) do not believe vaccination will cause an increased risk of infertility, first or second trimester loss, stillbirth or congenital anomalies. Additionally, there is no reason to delay pregnancy attempts because of vaccination administration or to defer fertility treatments until the second dose has been administered. We recommended that you talk with your primary care provider or physician to learn more.
We recognize differences between the CDC, ASRM, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) and SMFM (Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine) and that of the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding pregnant women receiving the Moderna vaccine. Our position is that of the CDC, ASRM, ACOG and SMFM, meaning both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines can be given to those who are pregnant. As we offer both vaccines, individuals are able to choose which vaccine they receive. We recommend you address any individual concerns with your primary care or OB provider.
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If I am not yet eligible to receive the vaccination, is there anything I can do to prepare?
While you are waiting for your turn to get the vaccine, stay connected with us by downloading the Froedtert & MCW mobile app and signing up or linking your MyChart account. When the vaccine is available to you, we will notify you about how to set up appointments to be vaccinated.
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Can I take an over-the-counter pain medication before I receive my COVID-19 vaccination?
We do not recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as it may alter your immune response. You may take over-the-counter pain medication after receiving the vaccine should you have symptoms such as fever or muscle aches. If you have additional questions regarding your medications, we recommend consulting your primary care provider or physician before scheduling your vaccination appointments.