MILWAUKEE— If you've been confused by the recent releases of COVID-19 booster shot data and pharmaceutical companies' still-pending applications for emergency use authorizations from the CDC, you're not alone.

"I think it is [confusing], especially when there are conflicting reports come out," said Dr. Bill Hartman with UW Health. "Just a couple of weeks ago, out of the White House, they were suggesting that boosters would be available to everyone. Now that report's been walked back by the FDA and the CDC. Then, news today that the Johnson & Johnson [vaccine]— two shots are better than one shot— so should people be getting a second shot? There's a lot of information, a lot of moving parts— I think simplifying it and coming out with a standard set of guidelines is really what we need to do."

Now, as more Americans await the availability of a booster shot and increased COVID-19 protection, Dr. Hartman added that the main focus should continue to be on convincing unvaccinated people to go get their first shot.

"My personal belief is really getting those unvaccinated people getting a shot in their arms," Dr. Hartman said. "The fewer people that can be a target for COVID-19, the fewer people that can be infected by a virus that can mutate and take on different forms, the better..."

You can watch the entire interview with Dr. Hartman above.