UPDATE 10/3/2023:

On September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved and authorized the updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5. With this update, the bivalent COVID-19 dose is no longer authorized for use.

Information for eligibility and availability

What is COVID-19?

• COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Many people who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms. Some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.
• COVID-19 is primarily spread person-to-person when infected particles are exhaled into the air and breathed in by another.
• COVID-19 is diagnosed with a test. There are two types of tests: One given by a health provider (PCR test) and an at-home test kit (Rapid antigen test).
• The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible, wear a mask in public spaces, wash your hands often, and practice physical distancing.

Coming Soon: Wastewater Disease Surveillance Dashboard

Wastewater disease surveillance is a new tool used by health departments across the globe. When people are sick with COVID-19, they shed the virus in their poop which then collects in wastewater treatment plants. Laboratories can measure the amount of virus in wastewater by collection site (or sewer shed) and use it to determine if COVID-19 cases are changing.

The Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) works with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD) on COVID-19 wastewater surveillance for the Jones Island and South Shore sewersheds. MMSD sends the health department two samples of wastewater every week on Mondays and Thursdays. These samples are used to determine the amount of COVID-19 in our community. This dashboard shows you when COVID-19 levels are decreasing, increasing, or staying constant.