MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Millions of people in Wisconsin will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine a week before the Department of Health Services advances its eligibility date.
On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers announced the move. Previously, individuals over the age of 16 with certain pre-existing medical conditions became eligible on March 29. That date was changed to next Monday, March 22.
“Increasing eligibility for this critical group will help us cross the finish line and earlier, and will take us back to our way of life in Wisconsin,” said Governor Evers. He took the opportunity to congratulate vaccinators across the state for placing Wisconsin among the nation’s leaders for distributing their vaccine supply to patients.
In addition to announcing the previous eligibility date, the governor’s office has indicated other groups that have recently been included in the eligibility lists. This includes clergy and restaurant employees, both of whom are eligible immediately. In addition, the definition of people involved in public security has expanded to include judges, prosecutors, public defenders and other essential judicial officials.
The state still plans eligibility for everyone over 16 on May 1, added Evers, explaining that DHS is tracking vaccination coverage across the state and is likely to provide an updated schedule as May approaches.
DHS’s list of pre-existing illnesses that will allow someone to receive the coronavirus vaccine includes:
- Asthma (moderate to severe)
- Cancer
- Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Down’s syndrome
- Heart problems such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other drugs to weaken the immune system
- Liver disease
- Neurological conditions, such as intellectual disability and dementia
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30-39 kg / m2)
- Excess weight (BMI 25-29 kg / m2)
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged or scarred lung tissue)
- Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2 or more)
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
Three of the categories on the list are based on a person’s Body Mass Index, which can be determined using the BMI calculator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention available here.
Newly qualified individuals have several options for scheduling a vaccination interview, explained the governor’s office. They can contact community clinics, health service providers, local and tribal health departments and pharmacies. In addition, many health care providers can reach those who now qualify.
Among those for whom the vaccine is already available are:
- Frontline health personnel
- Qualified nursing residents and staff and assisted living facilities
- Police and firefighters, correctional staff
- Over 65 years
- Educators and nurseries
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- Some audiences facing essential workers
- Essential health personnel outside the front line
- Employees and residents in living facilities
More information on how to get the vaccine or eligibility is available by calling 1-844-684-1064 or visiting the DHS COVID-19 vaccine options page.
Copyright 2021 WMTV. All rights reserved.