COVID-19 Vaccine Updates | 2025

Wednesday, September 24 Update:

Based on Governor Tony Evers’ statewide Executive Order, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued a statewide standing medical order that allows those over 6 months old who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to get it at pharmacies across the state without a prescription. This means members can receive the vaccine at Hy-Vee and Costco, covered by GHC-SCW. The Moderna COVID vaccine is now available at all GHC-SCW clinics.* Please refrain from scheduling at the Madison College Clinic unless it is your Primary Clinic.

*The vaccine will be given while supplies last and is never guaranteed due to limited supply and demand.

Eligibility:

Anyone 6 months or older may receive the COVID-19 vaccine, per Gov. Evers Executive Order. (No one has to be over 65 years or older, or immunocompromised, to receive this vaccine, like in the past.)

If you are 65 or older, the CDC recommends you receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of your routine care. You do not need to have a special conversation with your care team. If you are due for your COVID-19 vaccine, you can get it when supply is available!

If you are under 65, the CDC states that COVID-19 vaccination is based on “shared decision-making.” This means the vaccine is available to you, provided you have had a conversation with your primary care provider team to confirm the vaccine is correct for you.

Coverage: GHC-SCW will cover this year’s COVID-19 vaccine.

GHC-SCW Clinics:

• 6 months to 11 years old: We currently have VERY limited supply. This may change in the near future, but for now:
  • The COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled at the GHC-SCW weekday flu clinics or added to your upcoming Primary Care Provider appointment notes.
  • This will NOT be available at Capitol Clinic weekend Flu Clinics.
• 12 years and older: The COVID-19 vaccine can be scheduled at the GHC-SCW weekday or weekend flu clinics or added to your upcoming Primary Care Provider appointment notes.
• 6 months to 17 years old who have BadgerCare Plus Coverage: At this time, GHC-SCW clinics cannot schedule or administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Please check with your local pharmacy.

Pharmacies: Pharmacies operate under different regulations than health systems, which has allowed some to begin receiving vaccine shipments earlier. For example, Walgreens has already started offering the COVID-19 vaccine; however, GHC-SCW does not contract with Walgreens for vaccine administration. Our contracted pharmacies (Hy-Vee and Costco) are now offering the vaccine; it will be covered under your GHC-SCW benefits and no prescription is needed.

Previous COVID-19 vaccine: Last year’s COVID-19 vaccine is no longer being offered at our GHC-SCW clinics or at our partner pharmacies. It does not match currently circulating virus strains and receiving it now could delay your eligibility for the updated vaccine.

We are committed to keeping you informed and will share updates on this page and in upcoming member communications as soon as new information is available.