Health officials urge Covid boosters as end of federal funding approaches

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Federal funding for the Covid vaccine is expected to dry up at the end of the year, so the push is on to protect as many people as possible before that.

It's been nearly 600 days since new federal funding was approved for Covid-19 mitigation. 

Since then, hundreds of millions of people have safely taken the shot. But starting Jan. 1, the vaccine and any therapeutics like Paxlovid won't be free anymore.

"The last thing we need is an additional barrier, a financial barrier, especially among our more vulnerable populations that have lower vaccination rates," said Dr. Ben Weston, Milwaukee County chief health policy advisor.

Dr. Weston also says it's a full-time job for local health departments right now as they look for grants and other funding for Covid vaccines.

Right now, the positivity rate in Wisconsin is the lowest it's been in five months, falling below 10%.