Protect yourself and your community

It’s normal to have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines. The sheer amount of information — and misinformation — about these vaccines can be overwhelming to anyone. But the science behind the vaccines is clear: The vaccines are safe and effective, and they represent our best chance to slow the pandemic, prevent deaths and return to normal.

We've compiled some important information about the vaccine and how to get one in Milwaukee. You can also hear our DJs talk about why they decided to get vaccinated.

Why get vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping protect against severe disease and death from variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 currently circulating, including the Delta variant. By getting vaccinated, you not only help prevent yourself from getting sick, but drastically reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus to others, including people who may be immunocompromised. You can read more about the benefits of the vaccine here.

Everyone 5 years and older is eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines

• All 5-17 year olds must have parent/guardian consent
• Vaccines are provided free of charge
• Insurance information will not be collected
• Thousands of vaccines are available daily
• In-home vaccination is now available in Milwaukee - call (414) 286-6800 to schedule 

What about boosters?

Boosters should be available wherever you got your previous doses of the vaccine. Free boosters are available at all Milwaukee Health Department sites and mobile clinics. Boosters are recommended for everybody 12 and older.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Appointments are fast and are available on nights and weekends. There are also many places where you can just walk-in to get your COVID-19 vaccination. You can find a location at vaccines.gov (available in English and Spanish) or call 211 to ask questions or find an appointment.

Milwaukee also has two free walk-in vaccine clinics. No appointment is needed; second dose appointments will be scheduled on site after receiving the first dose.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe. Medical experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed the data from every testing phase.

* COVID-19 vaccines went through the same testing phases that all vaccines go through. No testing phases were skipped.

* An independent safety board (Vaccines and Related Biological Product Advisory Committee) also reviewed the data before authorization.

* Scientists continue to collect safety data while COVID-19 vaccines are in use.

* For more information about the vaccine, you can read our interview with Dr. Hashim Zaibak, pharmacist and owner of Hayat Pharmacy.

Did you know?

* The vaccine is free. You do not need an ID or health insurance.

* The vaccine protects against the known COVID-19 virus variants. The faster everyone gets vaccinated, the less chance the virus has to mutate.

* You will get a vaccination record with information about the vaccine like the type and when you got it. Make sure to keep it in a safe place.