Could Every Wisconsin Adult Be Eligible for the Vaccine Early? Maybe.

[riversedge]

I got as an email so will post entire story.

I am so glad they opened it up to pre-existing conditions this week. I have a younger sister who will now be able to get her jab earlier--but how much earlier is unclear because her scheduled appointment was delayed because of low supply. So, waiting





UpNorthNews [e-mail] via gmail.mcsv.net

1:21 PM (1 hour ago)

to me



Could Every Wisconsin Adult Be Eligible for the Vaccine Early? Maybe.

The state Department of Health Services (DHS) is making no promises that COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to the general population before May 1, the deadline set by President Joe Biden, though the department isn’t ruling out the possibility.

“Once we feel confident in the supply of vaccine that we’re receiving, and the pacing of [vaccinations], we will make a decision and we will announce,” Deputy DHS Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said during a Thursday call with reporters. Thirty other states have announced they will open vaccinations up to the general adult population ahead of the deadline, according to a New York Times tally.

Wisconsin made more than 2 million residents with pre-existing health conditions eligible this week ahead of schedule, but it appears a low supply could hinder opening early eligibility to all adults. Further stretching demand, the state is still working to finish vaccinations on earlier groups. Vaccine providers in the state are currently requesting 400,000 to 500,000 first doses per week, but DHS is only receiving about 190,000 weekly, Willems Van Dijk said.

More than 2.5 million doses have been administered in Wisconsin as of Thursday, 27.3% of residents have received at least one dose, and 15.8% of the state is fully vaccinated, according to DHS data. Wisconsin is on pace to achieve herd immunity by July, Willems Van Dijk said last week.

—Reported by Jonathon Sadowsk