MADISON, Wis. — COVID-19 activity is up in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The latest respiratory virus surveillance report from Wisconsin DHS showed emergency department, lab testing, hospitalization and wastewater data all point to increasing COVID-19 cases. 

COVID activity has also been up this summer across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

What You Need To Know

  • A new statewide report showed COVID-19 is increasing in Wisconsin

  • According to emergency department data, activity is highest in children under 5-years-old and people 65-years-old and older

  • Another spike is expected in early October-November, along with other respiratory viruses including flu and RSV

  • A new COVD-19 vaccine was just approved by the FDA and is expected to be available the first week of September

Dr. Jeff Pothof, with UW Health, said he expects those numbers to increase.

"We actually expect to see a bit of a spike come this fall, early winter October-November, with the other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV," he shared. 

A new COVID vaccine was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The new vaccine offers protection against the newest strains of COVID. 

"This vaccine is likely going to offer very good protection against severe disease. The first you'll probably see those available is the first week of September and then they'll probably be available throughout the fall," he said.

Pothof recommended most people get vaccinated now, especially with kids heading back to school, which is a prime environment for COVID-19 to spread.

"I think for most people, it's a good idea to get vaccinated now. When we look at the younger kids ... they're getting back to school, they're gonna be gathering together. That's going to create a good environment for COVID-19 to spread around," Pothof explained. "We don't often see really severe disease with kids, but getting an updated booster right now would not be a bad idea."  

Those who are 65-years-old and older have an increased risk of severe disease. Pothof said those individuals should get the new COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, especially with the increased spread. 

If you just had COVID, Pothof said you likely have good protection against severe disease for at least the next two to three months.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine location, here. 

Watch the full interview above.

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