Wisconsin vaccine priority attracts criticism: ‘Real disappointment’
Another wave of Wisconsin residents will soon be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. There is already confusion and growing criticism about who health officials say should be prioritized among the new groups.
BROOKFIELD, Wis. – Another wave of Wisconsin residents will soon be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.
There is already confusion and growing criticism about who health officials say should be prioritized among the new groups.
As life turned upside down when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, Sarah Knowles remained patient.
“We are confined at home and have done our best,” said Knowles.
When Knowles learned this week that her son, Matthew, might have to wait another month to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, his patience ran out.
“We had March 1 as a really important date to wait for, and now it’s suddenly, we don’t have a firm date,” said Knowles.
Sarah Knowles with her son, Matthew
As of March 1, vaccine eligibility extends to Wisconsin residents who are enrolled in long-term Medicaid programs, such as Matthew, who has cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment. The photos will also be available to people in education, in essential public jobs and in social settings.
“Based on the current allocation figures, it will take about two months to vaccinate these groups,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, assistant secretary to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Without providing enough vaccine for everyone, the state is instructing vaccinators to prioritize school and daycare staff.
“Certainly, the other groups at this stage of eligibility have not been overlooked,” said Willems Van Dijk.
To Knowles, however, it seems exactly that people like his son are being overlooked.
“Medicaid’s long-term care group has a much greater chance of hospitalization,” said Knowles.
Knowles initially planned to vaccinate Matthew next week through the local health department. Now, he can’t get shot.
“They just said, thank you for being an advocate for your son and we’re sorry that we can’t change the order,” said Knowles.
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It is creating more frustration for the Knowles family and many other people who feel they have been patient enough.
“Prioritizing one group over another now, with literally three or four days to go, was a real disappointment,” said Knowles.
Knowles said Matthew’s doctor with Froedtert will also not be able to get him for the vaccine next week because Froedtert is still treating patients 65 and older.