3rd COVID Booster Has NE Wisconsin Weighing Their Options

APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The recommendation of booster shots is still very new to a lot of people.

“This is actually the first time hearing about it that they want to do that,” said Angela Hall who is vaccinated.

Hall says she’s willing to get the COVID-19 booster shot if needed.

“That’s something our family needs to talk about and discuss if we would want to do that,” said Hall.

Danny Hoelzel is also fully vaccinated, he isn’t really questioning the idea, “If it’s going to help people, not only ourselves but other people then why not.”

Wisconsin Department of Health Services Immunization Program Manager Dr. Stephanie Schauer says right now the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots are only recommended for the immunocompromised.

“This additional dose will really provide that potential to have a little better immunity and protection against the delta variant and the other COVID-19,” said Schauer.

Fox Valley residents and medical experts weigh in on COVID-19 booster shots Aug. 18, 2021. (WLUK video)

Schauer says people who are immunocompromised can get the booster dose at least four weeks after the initial two-dose series, but to make sure you stay with the same vaccine provider.

FOX 11 asked Schauer, “do you think that people might be hesitant to get this third booster shot?”

“Yeah, well, you know, these are folks who have a moderate or severe illness,” replied Schauer. “These individuals may not have mounted a robust enough response that many of us that don’t have these challenges have.”

At Hometown Pharmacy in Appleton, pharmacist Tyler Wallenfang is surprised he hasn’t had many booster inquiries.

“We did do one yesterday, but it’s not like the phones are ringing off the hook,” said Wallenfang.

He expects things to pick up when it’s the general public’s turn.

“We’ll have to up the quantity on hand than we have right now,” said Wallenfang.

Wallenfang says the Pfizer and Moderna booster vaccine is nothing new from what you’ve gotten so far.  It’s the same formula, and concentration, just another immunization of that brand.