💉 How to get a COVID shot in Madison

🐻 A Flamingo Hello and a Fond Bear-Well at Henry Vilas Zoo

• If the 19 flamingos at Henry Vilas Zoo seem to be strutting around a little more these days, it’s because they all finally have names. The zoo has given names to the pink birds inspired by actors (“Cera” for Michael Cera), Forward Madison FC (“Breesy” for Breese Stevens Field), the Chilean’s flamingos’ home (“Santiago” for Chile’s capital), and more.
• Meanwhile, the zoo is saying goodbye to two grizzly bears, Ash and Lexi, who will be moving to another zoo later this month. The 14-year-old bears have been in the zoo since 2014, and are being relocated to make room for a new polar bear, Nora, and a male bear to be named later. [Cap Times, News 3]

🔪 Heritage Tavern Files For Bankruptcy After Wage Theft Suit

• Heritage Tavern filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March, citing a federal lawsuit from an employee alleging that the owners were withholding tips from its workers.
• The complaint, filed last December, alleges the restaurant’s owners regularly withheld tips to cover business operations, failed to pay correct overtime arrangements, and set up an “invalid tip pool arrangement” with kitchen, support, and bar staff.
• According to a letter written by a bankruptcy attorney, the two parties are agreeing to settle out of court. Heritage Tavern intends to stay open despite the bankruptcy, which can involve restructuring finances to pay debt over time. [Cap Times]

🇲🇽 Centro Hispano Wants To Set the Record Straight About ICE

• The surge in threats by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents on immigrant communities nationwide had drawn the spotlight onto Madison organizations like Centro Hispano.
• But Centro director Karen Menéndez Coller says that spotlight can lead to a distorted picture of Madison’s Latino communities, sensationalizing the threats and overlooking the resilience and cohesion.
• On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to Menéndez Coller about how the larger city can better understand these communities, and how to avoid causing harm in the pursuit of support. [🎧 City Cast Madison]

There’s been a lot of confusion and mixed messages coming from the federal government about the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Different agencies have made different recommendations about who can and who can’t get the vaccine, all of it at odds with the recommendations coming from health professional organizations.

With all the smoke and noise, it may seem difficult to get the updated vaccine in Madison. But, in fact, the COVID-19 vaccine has recently become widely available, with pharmacies and clinics offering appointments.

Here’s what to know about the vaccine, who can get it, and how.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Effective?

A study published Oct. 8 in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that last season’s 2024-25 mRNA COVID vaccines were effective even for those with previous vaccinations and infection. The study of 300,000 U.S. citizens who took the vaccine showed that it reduced people’s risk of emergency visits by 29%, their risk of hospitalizations by 39%, and their risk of death by 64%.

The vaccine’s effectiveness has waned since it was first introduced in 2019, when it had a 94% protection rate. However, that dip is expected as the population develops some prior immunity over time through previous vaccinations and infections, researchers said.

Who Can Get It?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dropped its previous broad recommendation of the vaccine and recommends that a patient consult with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before getting the shot. In Wisconsin, the Department of Health Services said on Sept. 16 that everyone 6 months of age or older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, calling it “safe and effective.”

That local guidance means that people in Wisconsin can get the COVID-19 through their health clinic or through a local pharmacy.

Meet Lily! This 8-year-old Chihuahua mix may be only 15 pounds, but she’s an energetic dog who loves running with the big dogs. She loves going for walks, hanging out with her people, and has done well with children. She knows several commands, including sit, lie down, stay, and come.

She’s never been around cats, though. Lily is looking for a patient family who will spoil her with playtime, adventures, and lots of love. Dane County Humane Society is waiving her adoption fee in October!