MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Millions of people in Wisconsin will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine a week sooner after the Department of Health Services moves their fitness date forward.
Government Tony Evers announced the change on Tuesday. Previously, individuals over the age of 16 with certain existing medical conditions would be eligible on March 29th. The date has now been changed to next Monday 22 March.
“If we are eligible for this critical group, we will be able to cross the finish line sooner, and we will be able to return to our way of life in Wisconsin,” said Governor Evers. He took the opportunity to compliment the vaccinators across the state for placing Wisconsin among the country’s leaders for delivering the vaccines to patients.
In addition to announcing the earlier suitability date, the governor’s office also pointed to other groups recently added to the election list. This includes clergy and restaurant workers, both of whom are eligible immediately. The definition of people involved in public safety has also expanded to include judges, prosecutors, public defenders and other essential court personnel.
The state still plans to qualify for anyone older than 16 on May 1, Evers added, explaining that DHS is monitoring the coverage of the vaccination across the country and is likely to provide an updated timeline as May approaches.
DHS’s list of pre-existing conditions for anyone 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 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 intellectual disabilities and 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
- 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 for Disease Control and Prevention Centers available here.
The new governor has different options to plan an appointment with a vaccine, the governor’s office explained. They can contact community-based clinics, healthcare providers, local and tribal health departments and pharmacies. In addition, many healthcare providers can contact those who now qualify.
Among those for whom the vaccine is already available are:
- Frontline healthcare staff
- Residents and staff in competent nursing and assistance facilities
- Police and fire brigade, correctional staff
- Age 65 and older
- Educators and child care
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
- Some public facing essential workers
- Non-frontline essential health care staff
- Staff and residents in municipal housing
More information on receiving the vaccine or being eligible is available by calling 1-844-684-1064 or by going to the DHS page COVID-19 for vaccinations.
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