Wisconsin DHS COVID Pfizer booster recommendations

MILWAUKEE - The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is announcing its recommendations for who should get a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The first rule of thumb is not to mix vaccines. If you're considering a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine, you should have received Pfizer for your first and second doses.

Not everyone is eligible for the third dose. Right now, you must meet certain criteria to receive it. 

"We receive a lot of phone calls," said Marwa Bakr, Infinity Pharmacy owner and pharmacist.

At Infinity Pharmacy near 60th and Cleveland Bakr said Monday, Sept. 27 they've been busy administering booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine since last week, following the CDC's endorsement of the third dose for certain groups.

"Winter is coming soon, so a lot of people were nervous," said Bakr. "Most of them they already received their first and second shots at the pharmacy."

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The Wisconsin DHS recommends the following groups should get a Pfizer booster at least 6 months after their first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine:

• People 65 years and older
• Residents in long-term care
• People ages 50-64 with certain underlying medical conditions, including but not limited to cancer, diabetes, and heart failure

The DHS says you may receive a Pfizer booster shot if you are:

• Between the ages of 18 and 49 with an underlying medical condition
• People ages 18-64 who are at an increased risk of COVID-19 exposure in their workplace

That includes first responders, educators, and postal workers.

"They are more relieved," said Bakr. "They are happy."

Bakr said patients who return to roll up their sleeves for the third time can make an appointment online, but the pharmacy also takes walk-ins.

"We tell them you are welcome to stop by," said Bakr.

If you're unvaccinated, Bakr has doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson available. Plus, she said it's important to know that you can get your flu shot at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine.

"Which makes it very convenient for them," said Bakr.

According to the CDC, people in the recommended groups who received Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will likely need a booster shot, but guidance on a third shot of those vaccines is still being reviewed.

Infinity Pharmacy is located at 2700 S. 60th Street in Milwaukee and can be reached at 414-988-0008.