(WKOW) – The group of Wisconsinites eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines is increasing this week. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) said more than 700,000 new eligible people will be able to receive vaccinations.
The list includes educators, grocery store workers, bus drivers, 911 dispatchers, mink farmers, prison residents, non-essential health care workers, and staff in shared housing situations. The list also includes people enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs.
According to DHS, education and childcare staff will have preference in the new group. However, the agency has been instructed to continue to prioritize previously eligible groups over new groups.
After Dane County officials announced that the vaccinations of teachers were being pushed back, SSM Health announced that they would eventually be able to vaccinate educators. On-site vaccination clinics begin Tuesday, one day after teachers are eligible for the vaccine.
Educators in Waunakee and Sun Prairie will be among the first to be vaccinated. Waunakee staff will begin receiving shots on Tuesday and Sun Prairie staff will begin vaccinating on Friday.
The Food and Drug Administration on Sunday approved the use of Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine. Since it has the green light, it may be sent out soon. Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine is the third COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization.