Community Health Survey
I am reaching out to share that the 2021 Community Health Survey for Milwaukee County is now underway and ask that you take a few minutes to participate! More information and links to the survey in English and Spanish can be found on healthyMKE.com.
The survey is open until September 24^th - it should only take 10 minutes to complete. The primary audience for the survey is you, your colleagues, your friends, your family, and your networks. It’s an opportunity for all Milwaukee County residents to have their voices heard about what is needed to make Milwaukee a healthier place for all.
Every three years, Milwaukee’s health systems conduct a shared Community Health Needs Assessment  in Milwaukee County. The assessment helps health care providers and public health departments better understand the needs of our communities, establish health priorities, and improve programs and services. I invite you to take this important survey, and please, share this invitation with your colleagues, networks, family and friends.

Eligibility for the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program will be extended to Sun., Sept. 19, 2021. The program opened Aug. 20 and is available to anyone ages 12 and up in Wisconsin who gets their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 19. 

In order to receive the $100 reward, Wisconsin residents will need to register by filling out the form available at 100.wisconsin.gov or call 844-684-1064 to register over the phone. Information submitted will be used to verify that individuals have a valid first COVID-19 vaccine dose reported to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) between Aug. 20 and Sept. 19. 

Rewards cards will be mailed to the individual’s Wisconsin address and may take six to eight weeks to be mailed to participants. Registration for the program will remain open until Sept. 30, 2021, but only those who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose within the program window are eligible for the $100 reward. 

For more information on the reward program, visit the DHS $100 reward page or call 844-684-1064. Language assistance is available. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in your community, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211. (9/3/21)

Available Now: 3rd Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine for Immunocompromised People
As of August 12, 2021, FDA Authorizes additional vaccine dose for certain immunocompromised individuals* (only applies to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine)

*People with medical conditions or people receiving treatments that are associated with moderate to severe immune compromise	Active or recent treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies (cancer)
	Solid-organ or recent stem cell transplant recipient
	Diagnosed with severe primary immunodeficiency
	Advanced or untreated HIV infection
	Active treatment with  high-dose corticosteroids Alkylating agents antimetabolites tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory
	Chronic medical conditions such as asplenia and chronic renal disease may be associated with varying degrees of immune deficiency.

-Individuals who meet the criteria for moderate to severe immune compromise are 1) more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19, 2) at higher risk for prolonged infection, 3) have lower antibody protection compared to non-immunocompromised people, 4) have lower vaccine effectiveness after 2 doses, 5) are more likely to transmit COVID to household contacts, and 6) are more likely to test positive for COVID-19 even after "fully vaccinated" with 2 doses. 

-  The CDC has released guidance regarding this authorization - if you have questions, you may call us at 414-423-2110.

-Please talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you are a good candidate for the third dose at this time. (8/20/21)

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COVID-19 Vaccines

• VaccineFinder - Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations
• Healthy MKE Vaccine Finder - Listing of vaccine locations, transportation options, and vaccine events 
  

Testing for COVID-19 is also one of several key strategies in this pandemic.  By utilizing strategies together in a layered approach, we have a chance to suppress this virus in our community.

When should I get tested?
You should get tested if you are feeling sick, even mild cold symptoms, or if you have been exposed to COVID-19 (if you are identified as a close contact, you will need to continue with your quarantine period, even if you test negative- as it may take 2-14 days for the virus to show up).(8/16/21)

But I am vaccinated! 
Fully vaccinated people with symptoms should get tested as soon as possible.  If you have been exposed to COVID-19, are fully vaccinated and have no symptoms, you should get tested 3-5 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result from that test. (8/16/21)
 
What kind of test should I get?
Learn about the different types of COVID-19 tests below

Molecular Tests (PCR, NAAT, viral test): diagnostic test- tests for active COVID-19 infection, done by swabbing the nose or throat, or collecting saliva
Antigen Test (rapid test): diagnostic test- tests for active COVID-19 infection, done by swabbing the nose,  has reduced accuracy compared to molecular tests.
Antibody Test (blood test, serology test): not diagnostic- tests for past COVID-19 infection, done by drawing blood.  It can't diagnose current infection or assume immunity to COVID-19 if antibodies are present.(8/16/21)
At Home Test : The FDA has authorized more COVID-19 tests, like at-home tests, giving Americans more options for COVID-19 testing.  While at-home tests are a good screening tool, Wisconsin DHS expects that if you test positive on an at-home test, you will report the result to public health.  It is encouraged that you will obtain follow-up testing using a lab-based test (ideally a molecular test) within 48 hours to either confirm or override at-home test result. (9/9/21)

Where should I go for testing?
Healthy MKE is a website for Milwaukee County about COVID-19 testing, and vaccinations.  There is a tool to help you find a testing location that meets your needs.

The following locations are also within a 5 mile radius of Greendale:
Summit Clinic Labs-Milwaukee South is located at 7358 W Rawson Ave.  They do PCR testing, accept all ages, and no appointments required.
Zia COVID Testing is located at 2741 W. Layton Ave.  They do PCR testing and appointments are required, schedule online or call 414-839-5795.
Hayat Pharmacy- Layton Ave is located at 805 W. Layton Ave.  They offer rapid antigen, regular PCR, and same day PCR.  Appointments are required- call 414-483-0000
(8/16/21)