The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced the next group of people who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, starting March 1 for now.
According to DHS, priority group 1B focuses on “vulnerability and exposure risk of COVID-19.”
DHS said those working in education and childcare, individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs, public essential workers, non-primary health care workers, and those living together will be eligible for the vaccine from or around March 1.
“We will continue to get shots in the arms as soon as possible and as soon as we have vaccines available,” said Governor Tony Evers. “In the meantime, we must continue to work together to prevent the spread of this virus by wearing face covers and limiting meetings with others while vaccinating people in our state.”
Last week, the state health department announced that Wisconsinites 65 and older could receive vaccinations starting Jan. 25. But local health officials say they just don’t have enough doses of the vaccine to vaccinate this next group.
There are approximately 700,000 people aged 65 or older in the state.
While it will take time to go through each group, DHS is encouraging those who are at significant risk because of their public positions to come forward to receive the vaccine. Those who can work from home, perform their duties outside the home, or have limited public involvement are asked to delay vaccination.
Breakdown of each group eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines:
Education and childcare
- Staff in regulated childcare, public and private school programs, extracurricular time programs, virtual learning support, community learning center programs
- All staff in Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs
- All staff in Kindergarten and Head Start through K-12 educational institutions.
- Faculty and staff in higher education institutions with direct student contact.
Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- IRIS (include, respect, I Self Direct)
- Family care
- Katie Beckett and long-term care childcare waiver, when member’s age permits eligibility for vaccination
Some essential employees dealing with the public
- 911 operators
- Utilities and Communication Infrastructure: Employees who cannot distance themselves socially and are responsible for some of the fundamental processes and facilities that provide electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, etc.
- Public transport
- Food supply chain
Essential staff for non-primary health care
- Employees who fulfill essential roles within healthcare organizations by enforcing cybersecurity; perform cleaning functions; toasting; critical HVAC functions related to maintaining good airflow in health care facilities and refrigeration functions related to vaccine storage; the critical functions of the healthcare supply chain, including those involved in the production, production and distribution of vaccines; Public health; and emergency management.
Living together:: Residents of shared living areas and on-site facility staff
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