MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Millions of people in Wisconsin will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine a week earlier after the Department of Health Services pushed forward their date of admission.
On Tuesday, Governor Tony Evers announced the change. Previously, individuals over 16 years of age with certain pre-existing medical conditions were eligible on March 29. That date has now been changed to next Monday, March 22.
“By qualifying more for this critical group, we will cross the finish line faster and faster, returning us to our Wisconsin way of life,” said Governor Evers. He took the opportunity to congratulate vaccinators across the state for placing Wisconsin among the nation’s leaders for delivering the vaccines to patients.
In addition to announcing the earlier admission date, the governor’s office pointed out other groups recently added to the admission lists. Those include clergy and restaurant workers, both of which are immediately eligible. The definition of people involved in public safety was also expanded to include judges, prosecutors, public defenders and other essential judicial personnel.
The state still plans to become eligible for anyone over the age of 16 on May 1, Evers added, explaining that the DHS is monitoring statewide vaccination coverage and will likely provide an updated timeline as May approaches. .
DHS’s list of pre-existing conditions that could 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 syndrome
- Heart conditions, 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 immune-weakening drugs
- Liver disease
- Neurological disorders, such as intellectual disabilities and dementia
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] from 30-39 kg / m2)
- Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg / m2)
- Pregnancy
- Lung fibrosis (with damaged or scarred lung tissue)
- Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2 or more)
- Sickle cell disease
- 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI calculator available here.
Newly qualified individuals have several options for scheduling a vaccination appointment, the governor’s office explained. They can contact community clinics, health care providers, local and tribal health departments, and pharmacies. In addition, many health care providers can contact those who are now eligible.
Among those for whom the vaccine is already available are:
- Primary health care personnel
- Residents and staff in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities
- Police and firefighters, correctional personnel
- Age 65 and older
- Educators and childcare
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- Some people are confronted with essential employees
- Non-primary care personnel for essential health care
- Staff and residents in communal living facilities
More information about receiving the vaccine or becoming eligible is available by calling 1-844-684-1064 or by visiting the DHS COVID-19 vaccine options page.
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