Walgreens pharmacist Mindy Keeton, left, sticks Martha Metts’ arm around the Modern COVID-19 vaccine Monday at the AHEPA apartments in Merrillville, Ind.
MADISON, Wis. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has introduced the medical conditions for individuals 16 years and older eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine from March 29. The list includes 20 conditions such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, obesity. , liver disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes and pregnancy. (See the full list at the bottom of this article.)
The group is estimated to contain 2 million individuals or more, and officials warn that each group should be given preference based on the severity, age, number of conditions an individual has, and whether they live in a community that is disproportionate by the virus.
“Due to the limited supply of vaccine and as this next eligible group is likely to add more than 2 million individuals in Wisconsin who are eligible for the vaccine, providers will have to prioritize individuals within this population who are at higher risk, “a press release issued by the DHS.
State health officials estimate that everyone in Wisconsin 16 years and older is eligible for the vaccine in May. President Joe Biden said earlier that there would be vaccinations for everyone by the end of May, and this week announced a planned partnership to purchase another 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson. Currently, health officials in Wisconsin say they expect to launch a larger supply of the J&J vaccine from the end of the month through April.
‘All three COVID-19 vaccines available are incredibly safe and effective in preventing infection, serious illness and death. These vaccines save lives. That is why we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be protected against the virus, “said DHS interim secretary Karen Timberlake in a press release.
The medical conditions stemmed from recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as work previously done by the state’s advisory subcommittee, officials said. However, the medical advisory committee for disasters has not met since the state shut them down in February after providing guidance for phases 1A and 1B in Wisconsin. The DHS ignored questions at a press conference earlier this month as to whether they intend to reconvene the board for the issuance of phase recommendations for 1C, saying they are having ‘talks’ with board members and other medical experts.
Currently eligible are 1B groups for vaccine educators, child care, grocery workers, other non-frontline health workers, and people (including inmates) living in community housing facilities. This is in addition to health workers, police and firefighters, long-term care and people over 65 in Wisconsin. Nearly 20% of the state’s adult population received their first dose, including about 65% of the state’s 65+ population.
“We appeal to those who are eligible and at the highest risk of being vaccinated, because every shot in the arm means we are one step closer to returning to our Wisconsin way of life,” governments said. Tony Evers said in a prepared statement.
Complete list of conditions:
- 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
- Down syndrome
- Heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Immuno-compromised state (weakened immune system) due to solid organ transplantation, blood or bone marrow transplantation, immune deficiency, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or the use of other immunosuppressive drugs
- Liver disease
- Neurological conditions, such as dementia
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg / m2)
- Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg / m2)
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary fibrosis (with damaged or scar tissue)
- Severe obesity (BMI 40 kg / m2 or more)
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
This coverage will be updated
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