The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has announced the next group of people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines provisionally beginning March 1.
According to DHS, Priority Group 1B focuses on “the vulnerability and risk of COVID-19 exposure.”
DHS said those who work in education and child care, people enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs, essential workers facing the public, non-front-line health care staff, and those living congregated are eligible for the vaccine from or about March. 1.
“We will continue to receive shots in the arms as soon as possible and as soon as we have vaccines available,” Gov. Tony Evers said. “In the meantime, we must continue to work together to prevent the spread of this virus by wearing facial covers and limiting meetings with other people while vaccinating people from all over our state.”
Last week, the state Department of Health announced that Wisconsinites age 65 and older could receive vaccines as of Jan. 25.
There are about 700,000 people aged 65 and over in the state.
While it will take time to go through each group, DHS encourages those at significant risk because of their public-facing positions to show up to receive the vaccine. Those who can work from home, perform their tasks outdoors or have a limited commitment to the public are asked to delay vaccination.
Breakdown of each group eligible for COVID-19 vaccines:
Education and care of children
- Staff in regulated child care, public and private school programs, out-of-school programs, virtual learning support, community learning center programs
- All the staff of the boys and girls clubs, YMCA
- All preschool and Head Start staff through K-12 educational parameters.
- Teachers and staff in higher education settings who have direct contact with students.
People enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- IRIS (Include, Respect, I am direct)
- Family care
- Katie Beckett and Exemption from long-term care for children, when the age of the member allows them to opt for the vaccine
Some essential workers facing the public
- 911 operators
- Public services and communications infrastructure: workers who cannot distance themselves socially and be responsible for some fundamental processes and facilities that guarantee electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, etc.
- Public transport
- Food supply chain
Essential front-line health care staff
- Personnel who perform essential functions within healthcare organizations while maintaining cybersecurity; perform cleaning functions; programming; critical HVAC functions related to maintaining adequate airflow in sanitary environments and refrigeration functions related to vaccine storage; key functions of the healthcare supply chain, including those involved in the production, manufacture and distribution of vaccines; Public health; and emergency management.
Congregation to live:: Residents of congregated living quarters and facility staff
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