COVID-19 Vaccine

DHS Opens Vaccine Eligibility to Everyone 16 and Older

APRIL 5, 2021 — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces a major milestone in Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program in that everyone ages 16 and older are now eligible for the vaccine. After consistently ranking tops in the nation for vaccine administration and with a steady increase in vaccine supply, Wisconsin opens eligibility nearly a month earlier than expected.

“I know this past year hasn’t been easy for anyone, and I want to express my appreciation to all Wisconsinites who are making sacrifices such as staying home, wearing a mask, and keeping six feet from others,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “These actions are backed by science. They help to slow the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. And today, we are excited to give everyone 16 and older the opportunity to continue protecting themselves and their loved ones from this virus. It will take patience, but we encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”

DHS Announces Eligibility for those with Medical Conditions

MARCH 11, 2021 — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 22. This eligibility group includes individuals with medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Based on the recent and anticipated increases in vaccine availability, DHS anticipates the general public will be eligible for the vaccine sometime in May.

The next eligibility group includes individuals age 16 and over with the following medical conditions:

• 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
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
• Liver disease
• Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg/m2)
• Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
• Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more)
• Sickle cell disease
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

If you have questions about whether you qualify, please contact your primary care provider.