The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the next group of people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines provisionally from March 1.
According to DHS, Priority Group 1B focuses on “COVID-19’s vulnerability and exposure risk.”
DHS said that those working in childcare and education, individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs, essential public-facing workers, health professionals outside the front line and those living in the community are eligible for vaccine from or close to March. 1
“We will continue to receive vaccines as soon as possible and as soon as we have the vaccines available,” said Governor Tony Evers. “In the meantime, we must continue to work together to prevent the spread of this virus by using face coverings and limiting meetings with other people while vaccinating people in our state.”
Last week, the state health department announced that Wisconsin residents aged 65 and older could receive vaccines starting January 25. But local health officials say they don’t have enough doses of the vaccine to start vaccinating the next group.
There are about 700,000 people aged 65 and over in the state.
Although it takes time to get through each group, DHS is encouraging those who are at significant risk due to their public positions to come forward to receive the vaccine. Those who can work from home, perform their tasks outdoors or have limited involvement with the public are asked to postpone vaccination.
Breakdown of each group eligible for COVID-19 vaccines:
Childcare and education
- Employees at regulated daycare centers, public and private school programs, programs outside school hours, virtual learning support, community learning center programs
- The whole team at Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs
- All employees from pre-school and Head Start to elementary and high school environments.
- Teachers and employees in higher education environments who have direct contact with students.
Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I Auto Direct)
- Family Care
- Katie Beckett and Child Term Care Waiver, when the member’s age allows them to qualify for the vaccine
Some essential public-facing workers
- Operators 911
- Utilities and communications infrastructure: Workers who cannot distance themselves socially and are responsible for some fundamental processes and facilities that guarantee electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, etc.
- Public transit
- Food supply chain
Essential health care personnel outside the front line
- Employees who perform essential functions in healthcare organizations, maintaining cybersecurity; perform cleaning functions; scheduling; critical HVAC functions related to maintaining adequate airflow in healthcare environments and refrigeration functions related to vaccine storage; critical health care supply chain functions, including those involved in vaccine production, manufacture and distribution; public health; and emergency management.
Living in congregation:: Residents of living environments and facilities staff on site
Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip