Gov. Evers and DHS Move Up People with Medical Conditions for COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to March 22
Date Moved Up Due to Availability of Appointments and Increased Vaccine Supply
This bulletin is being sent to local health officers, tribal health directors, public health nurses and staff, and key DPH staff.
Today, DHS moved up vaccine eligibility for Wisconsinites with certain medical conditions to Monday, March 22, 2021.
Beginning March 22, individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions that have a greater risk of severe infection from COVID-19 will be eligible. The decision is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and supported by Wisconsin’s medical experts.
The next eligible group includes individuals 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
- Diabetes
- 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 intellectual disabilities and 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
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
Currently Eligible Groups
As a reminder currently eligible groups include:
- Frontline health care personnel
- Residents and staff in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities
- Police and fire personnel, correctional staff
- Age 65 and older
- Educators and Child care
- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid Long-term care programs
- Some public facing essential workers
- Non-frontline essential health care personnel
- Staff and residents in congregate living facilities
Additionally, DHS clarified current eligibility to include all clergy, restaurant workers (as part of the food supply eligibility group) and further expanded public safety to include judges, prosecutors and district attorneys in addition to public defenders.
Based on the amount of vaccine doses available and vaccination pace, DHS plans to open vaccine eligibility to all individuals age 16 and older May 1. The COVID-19 vaccination program is rapidly evolving and we will continue to communicate updates and new information.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and options, visit the DHS COVID-19 vaccination page.
Communications Resources
The Governor's press release will be posted here.
Talking points are available on the PCA Portal COVID-19 Resources under Local and Tribal Health Department Resources.
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