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1. Are vaccines safe?

The U.S. vaccine safety process assures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Clinical trials are conducted with thousands of participants for each approved vaccine and are continuously monitored for safety.

Vaccines have been a successful public health tool for many years in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like measles, polio, and tetanus. COVID-19 is a new and contagious disease that can be very serious. Along with wearing a face covering, socially distancing, and washing your hands, COVID-19 vaccines will be an important tool in controlling this pandemic. Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available.

We encourage you to keep up to date with vaccinations to stay healthy and prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine below.

2. Why should you get vaccinated?

Vaccines will help prevent you from getting COVID-19. The three vaccines currently available in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson) have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

3. How do I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties are working closely with local hospitals, health systems, and pharmacies to ensure that everyone who wants a vaccine can get vaccinated. 

Learn how to get your vaccine here.

4. How many shots of COVID-19 vaccine will be needed?

Pfizer and Moderna both need two doses to be most effective. These two doses are given several weeks apart. Johnson and Johnson is a one dose vaccine.

Booster shots of these vaccines are recommended and available for ages 18 and older. Learn more about booster shots.

5. What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

You may experience some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Common side effects can include pain and swelling in the arm you received the shot. You may also experience a fever, chills, tiredness, and headache throughout the rest of your body. These side effects should go away in a few days.

6. Are vaccines required?

No. St. Croix County is not requiring that you get a vaccine. However, we encourage you to keep up to date with vaccinations to stay healthy and prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

7. What should I do after being vaccinated?

Visit our vaccine page for more information.

8. Where can I find more information on the COVID-19 Vaccines?

There is a lot of information about COVID-19 and vaccines online and knowing what information is trustworthy can be difficult. For accurate information about COVID-19 in your community, visit the website of your county public health department or your healthcare provider. Other trusted sources of information include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services websites. Visit these trusted sites for information about COVID-19:

Regional County Websites:

• Pierce County
• Polk County
• St. Croix County

Regional Healthcare Provider Websites:

• Allina Health River Falls Clinic
• Fairview (Vibrant Health)
• HealthPartners
• Hudson Physicians
• Mayo Health Clinic System
• Osceola Medical Center
• St. Croix Regional Medical Center
• Western Wisconsin Health

More Resources:

• CDC Vaccination Page - CDC
• Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines - CDC
• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination - CDC
• About the COVID-19 Vaccine - DHS
• Allocation Process from the Federal Government to COVID-19 Vaccination (PDF) - DHS
• COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ - Mayo Clinic Health System
• Debunking COVID-19 Vaccine Myths - Mayo Clinic Health System
• Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Fact Sheets:
  • Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet (PDF)

9. I lost my vaccination card. Where can I access my vaccination records?

You can view and print your immunization records on the Wisconsin Immunization Registry.