Weekly Update: April 2, 2021
News
Everyone 16 and Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Starting April 5
On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers and DHS announced everyone age 16 and over will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 5, 2021. Wisconsin currently leads the nation in being one of the most efficient vaccinators for getting available shots in arms. With increased vaccine supply and an accelerated vaccination pace in recent weeks, the state is able to open eligibility to everyone four weeks earlier than expected.
There continue to be many options available for getting vaccinated, including through community-based vaccination clinics sponsored by DHS with federal and local partners, pharmacies, health care providers, local and tribal health departments, and employers. Below are key resources:
Increased Vaccine Supply Expands Federal Retail Pharmacy Program to More Locations
On Tuesday, DHS announced seven new pharmacy partners in Wisconsin will start receiving vaccine this week as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program(link is external). This includes select Costco, CVS, and Hy-Vee locations, as well as the following independent pharmacy networks: Good Neighbor and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation, Health Mart, Medicine Shoppe and Cardinal Health, and Topco. In addition, Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN), which includes some Hometown Pharmacies, and Walmart will both receive additional vaccine doses allowing them to offer vaccinations at more locations.
On Thursday, DHS updated the Staying Safe in Your Community webpage to include recommendations for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The webpage now includes guidance for a variety of spring and summer activities, as well as guidelines for attending or hosting gatherings.
DHS Awards $6.2 Million in Grants to Promote Health Equity in COVID-19 Vaccine Program
On Thursday, DHS announced $6.2 million in grants has been awarded to one hundred organizations across the state. The investment aims to increase vaccinations by supporting organizations to serve as trusted messengers within their communities, build vaccine confidence, and reduce barriers that hinder vaccine access for marginalized or underserved populations.
New Vaccination Guidance Released for Wisconsin Employers
On Thursday, DHS released a new resource for employers: COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance for Wisconsin Employers. By providing information about COVID-19 vaccination and establishing supportive policies and practices, employers can help increase vaccine uptake among Wisconsin’s workforce. Our partners at WEDC also released useful guidelines for employers in consultation with DHS.
Gov. Evers, FEMA Announce Milwaukee Site Transition to Federal Pilot Community Vaccination Clinic on April 6
On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 5 announces that the Biden Administration has chosen the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee to serve as a federal pilot community vaccination clinic. The site will receive resources and staffing to be able to do 3,000 vaccinations per day, with all of the vaccine supply coming directly from the federal government instead of the state allocation.
Today's Vaccine Distribution Summary
Check out the latest data on Wisconsin’s vaccination effort. DHS updates the allocated numbers and provider data every Tuesday, and the administered number is updated every weekday at 2 p.m.
- Allocated: 3,002,745 doses
- Administered: 2,978,088 doses
COVID-19 by the Numbers
COVID-19 Resources
 |
|
New Translated Material
- Available COVID-19 Vaccines, P-02946
- COVID-19 Vaccines, P-02945
- Post-Vaccination Guidance for Schools, P-02944
DHS materials are available in multiple languages as electronic files you can view online or download and print. You can use these materials at home or for your business. Visit the DHS website to view what resources are available to you.
|
 |
|
Resilient Wisconsin: Coping During Challenging Times
In case you missed it, check out DHS’s Facebook Live event from March 22 about coping during these challenging times with mental health experts.
Featuring Scott Webb, Trauma-Informed Care Coordinator and member of the Resilient Wisconsin team at DHS and Monica Caldwell, Director of Mental Health Programs for RISE.
|
Testing
If you are feeling ill or if you may have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, visit our testing page to learn the different ways you can get tested.
Media Briefings
Vaccine briefing from Tuesday, March 30 with Governor Evers and DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk.
Social Media
Follow DHS on social media for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout.
Newsletter
Looking for previous newsletters? To view past versions of this newsletter, visit the DHS website.
|
