Wisconsin adults 65 and older will soon be eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced today that adults 65 and older will be eligible starting Jan. 25.
It will still take time to vaccinate everybody over 65. There are about 700,000 Wisconsin residents 65 and older, but the state is currently only receiving around 70,000 first-dose vaccines per week from the federal government, according to the DHS. Currently the state is prioritizing vaccinating health care workers, residents in long-term care facilities and police and fire personnel.
“Older adults have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and prioritizing this population will help save lives,” DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a statement. “Wisconsin systems and operations are ready to vaccinate more people. The amount of vaccine we get from the federal government will determine how quickly we can get these groups vaccinated. Our partners in health care, pharmacies and local public health are ready and up to the task.”
According to the DHS, Wisconsinites 65 and older "will be able to access the vaccine through their health care provider, pharmacy, or local or tribal public health agency. Vaccinating entities with any vaccine on hand can begin to vaccinate this population prior to Jan. 25 if they have concluded the previously eligible populations. Those being vaccinated directly through their health care provider will typically be contacted to schedule an appointment by their health care provider." Some local health departments may also offer the vaccine through community clinics.
The state is encouraging residents to continue to socially distance, wear masks and wash their hands regularly to reduce the continued spread of Covid-19. For more information about vaccine distribution in Wisconsin, visit this DHS webpage.