The Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 22, which is earlier than previously expected. This eligibility group includes individuals with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

The next eligibility group, which again will begin March 22, 2021, includes individuals age 16 and over with the following medical conditions:

·     Asthma

·     Cancer

·     Cerebrovascular disease

·     Chronic kidney disease

·     COPD

·     Cystic fibrosis

·     Down syndrome

·     Heart conditions

·     Hypertension or high blood pressure

·     Immunocompromised state

·     Liver disease

·     Neurologic conditions

·     Obesity or overweight

·     Pregnancy

·     Pulmonary fibrosis

·     Sickle cell disease

·     Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus

·     Thalassemia

Individuals with the outlined medical conditions can access vaccine through a variety of options, including community-based clinics, health care providers, Local and Tribal Health Departments, and pharmacies. Wisconsinites with a primary care provider may hear directly from their provider. Visit the Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine options page or call the vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 to learn more.

Additionally, DHS clarified current eligibility to include all clergy (as part of health care personnel who provide spiritual care to the sick), restaurant workers (as part of the food supply eligibility group) and further expanded public safety to include judges, prosecutors, and other essential criminal court personnel, in addition to public defenders.

Depending on vaccine supply, DHS still anticipates that Wisconsin will be able to expand eligibility May 1 to include all individuals age 16 and older. DHS will continue to monitor vaccination coverage statewide and partner with vaccine providers in order to provide an updated vaccination timeline for the general public.

For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine webpage.