City of Milwaukee Weekly COVID-19 Update

MILWAUKEE – The disease burden in the City of Milwaukee this week is 128.9 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people over seven days and moved down into the “high transmission” category. The percentage of positive COVID-19 test results decreased to 6.3% and moved into the “moderate transmission” category. This is the lowest the burden rate has been and the first time Milwaukee has been in the “high transmission” category since the week of November 4, 2021.

Currently, 62.9% of city of Milwaukee adults 16 years and older are fully vaccinated and 68.5% have received at least their first dose. Additionally, 44.6% of fully vaccinated individuals have received a booster dose. 15.3% of children ages 5 to 11 have completed their pediatric COVID-19 vaccine series and 21.1% have received at least one dose.

The primary focus for the Milwaukee Health Department remains vaccination, as this is our strongest tool to stop the spread of the virus and significantly reduce the hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19. It is crucially important for everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose when eligible.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women has been studied extensively, but the new study suggests that getting vaccinated may offer protection for the baby, too.

According to the CDC study, infants of mothers who completed two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy had about a 60% reduced risk for being hospitalized with COVID-19 in the first six months of their lives, as the antibodies are likely transferred across the placenta during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers are strongly encouraged to speak to their trusted obstetrician with questions and concerns regarding vaccination during pregnancy.

Vaccination clinics continue at the Northwest Health Center, Southside Health Center, Menomonee Valley Site, and numerous mobile sites, including Milwaukee Public Schools. Individuals in need of a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose are encouraged to visit Milwaukee.gov/covidvax for a full schedule of locations.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.