MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Millions of people in Wisconsin will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine a week before the Department of Health Services advances the eligibility date.
On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers announced the change. Previously, people over the age of 16 with certain pre-existing medical conditions had to be eligible on March 29th. This date has been changed to this coming Monday, March 22nd.
“Increasing eligibility for this critical group will help us cross the finish line and before, and bring us back to our Wisconsin way of life,” Governor Evers said. He took the opportunity to congratulate vaccinators across the state for placing Wisconsin among the country’s leaders in providing the supply of vaccines to patients.
In addition to announcing the previous eligibility date, the governor’s office noted other groups that were recently added to the eligibility records. These include clergy and restaurant workers, both of whom are immediately eligible. In addition, the definition of people involved in public safety was expanded to include judges, prosecutors, public defenders and other key court staff.
The state still plans to open the requirements for all over-16s on May 1, Evers added, explaining that DHS is monitoring vaccination coverage statewide and will likely provide a timeline. updated as May approaches.
The list of pre-existing DHS conditions 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 syndrome
- Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies
- Hypertension or hypertension
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplantation, blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids or use of other drugs to weaken immunity
- Liver disease
- Neurological conditions, such as intellectual disabilities and dementia
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg / m2)
- Overweight (BMI from 25 to 29 kg / m2)
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged lung tissue or scars)
- 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 BMI calculator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People who have just qualified have several options for scheduling an appointment with the vaccine, 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 now meet the requirements.
Among those already available the vaccine are:
- First-line medical staff
- Residents and specialized nursing staff and assisted living facilities
- Police and fire personnel, correctional staff
- 65 years or older
- Educators and child care
- People enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- Some essential workers facing the public
- Essential non-frontline health personnel
- Staff and residents in the coexistence facilities
You can learn more about getting the vaccine or admission at 1-844-684-1064 or on the DHS COVID-19 vaccine options page.
Copyright 2021 WMTV. All rights reserved.