COVID News Roundup

With so much going on this week, we wanted to give a quick recap of the big COVID news happening locally and nationally.  

Authorization possible in coming weeks for Moderna boosters, Johnson & Johnson boosters, and Pfizer authorization for 5-11 year olds

The FDA announced two upcoming meetings of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) to discuss newly available data for the currently available COVID-19 vaccines.

On October 14 and 15, VRBPAC will meet to discuss the use of booster doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine. The committee will also look at the available data about mixing vaccine types – for instance getting a Pfizer booster if you originally received Modena doses. This is called a heterologous or “mix and match” booster. Mixing and matching boosters is not currently recommended.

On October 26, the FDA also scheduled a VRBPAC meeting to respond to a request from Pfizer to amend its emergency use authorization to allow the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 through 11 years of age.

These are exciting updates that may lead to wider availability of vaccines and boosters in the near future!

Face Covering Emergency Order #3 issued until November 5

Starting on October 8, Face Covering Emergency Order #3 is in effect in Dane County. The order will be in effect until November 5.

No changes were made to the face covering requirements in Order #3:

• Face coverings are required among people ages two and older when in any enclosed space open to the public where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or living unit, are present.
• Face coverings are also required while driving or riding in any form of public transportation.

Check out our news release from Monday for details.

New vaccine site at the Arena at Alliant Energy Center opening October 12

Beginning on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, we will open a new, temporary vaccination clinic at the Arena building at the Alliant Energy Center. The site will provide first and second vaccine doses for anyone 12 and older as well as booster doses for those who are eligible.

The clinic is different from previous Alliant operations in a few ways: it is in a different building, people park and walk in instead of drive up, and we are offering vaccines only (no testing). Our staff are preparing to expand our vaccination capacity as soon as 5-11 year olds are eligible for the vaccine.

Check out our news release from Thursday for details, or book an appointment for the Arena for your vaccine or booster shot.