MADISON, Wis. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is increasing its timeline to enable people with certain medical conditions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of March 22, individuals 16 years of age or older who have one of the listed medical conditions qualify for a vaccine.
The list includes 20 conditions, such as asthma, cancer, heart disease, obesity, liver disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes and pregnancy. The full list of conditions can be found at the bottom of this article.
The conditions are associated with an increased risk of serious diseases due to COVID-19. The group contains an estimated 2 million individuals or more, and officials warn that in each group preference should be given based on the severity, age, number of conditions an individual has and whether they live in a community that is excessively affected by the virus.
Earlier, the state announced that it would begin vaccinating this group on March 29.
“Our vaccinators across the state are doing a great job of getting people vaccinated and doing that, and because of their good work, Wisconsin is still a national leader in gun shooting,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.
“If we qualify for this critical group, we’ll be able to cross the finish line faster, and we can return to our Wisconsin way of life.”
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)
Individuals with the specified medical conditions have access to vaccines through a variety of options, including community-based clinics, healthcare providers, local and tribal health departments, and pharmacies.
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