It speaks to the lingering nature of the pandemic that there won't be a clear date when health officials declare it's over and everything reverts to normal. But there are milestones, dates that mark significant progress in our battle against the virus, and for Wisconsin residents, today is one of them.
Today all state residents 16 and older, regardless of health, became eligible to get vaccinated. Residents can visit the state’s Covid-19 vaccine registry page or call the toll free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 to learn how and where they can get vaccinated.
Milwaukee also has its own vaccine registry. These registries are not comprehensive, however, so you may be able to get vaccinated by providers who are not listed. The vaccine is now being offered by pharmacies, community health centers, Veterans Affairs centers and mass-vaccination sites around the state. Even many grocery stores with pharmacies are offering the vaccine.
One particularly convenient option is the Wisconsin Center vaccination clinic, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., which is open to anybody in the state. It's open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Appointments are required and can be made online.
Last week the Biden Administration selected the Wisconsin Center to serve as a federal pilot community vaccination clinic. The site will now have the resources and staffing to administer 3000 doses of the vaccine per day. That supply will come directly from the federal government, not the state's allocation of the vaccine.
Health experts estimate that 70% of the population will need to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity, and for its part, Wisconsin is already making significant progress toward that goal. About one third of residents have already received at least one dose of the vaccine, and about 20% are full vaccinated. More than 75% of residents 65 and older have received at least one dose.
Today's the day! If you are a Wisconsin resident 16 years old and older, you are now eligible to get the #COVID19 vaccine! Get the details https://t.co/QXR6aMW0nx#YouStopTheSpread pic.twitter.com/cMQ16QsTFE
— WIDeptHealthServices (@DHSWI) April 5, 2021
Radio Milwaukee's Dori Zori has compiled a vaccination playlist to keep you company while you get the shot, or to celebrate with afterward. You can stream it below.