Weekly Update: April 9, 2021
News
Everyone Age 16 and Older Now Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced 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 top in the nation for vaccine administration and with a steady increase in vaccine supply, Wisconsin opened eligibility nearly a month earlier than expected.
 The demand for vaccine is still larger than the supply. However, opening up eligibility allows communities to continue their vaccination pace and schedule appointments. Vaccine providers can and should continue to prioritize anyone previously eligible such as public-facing essential workers and people with medical conditions.
DHS Releases New COVID-19 Variant Trackers
On April 8, DHS released a new data table on our variant webpage that shows SARS-CoV-2 variant proportions by Health Care Emergency Readiness Coalition (HERC) region. The variants page now also includes information on two other strains of SARS-CoV-2: B.1.427 and B.1.429. Because these new variants of concern spread more easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, it is important to get vaccinated when you are able. Vaccines, along with public health practices such as wearing a mask, physically distancing from others, and staying home when sick, give the virus less of an opportunity to spread and mutate.
FEMA Support for COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic Site in Madison Began April 7
Gov. Tony Evers announced that Madison’s COVID-19 mass vaccination site at the Alliant Energy Center started receiving federal support on April 7. The additional federal support will increase the number of vaccinations per week from 5,600 doses up to 7,700 doses, dependent on vaccine supply. The mass vaccination site is a joint effort between local, state, and federal partners to continue building the state’s capacity to administer vaccine based on supply.
Community-Based Vaccination Clinic in Douglas County to Open April 13
Gov. Tony Evers and DHS announced that a fifth community-based vaccination clinic in the state will open in Douglas County on April 13. The site will be located at the University of Wisconsin-Superior in the Wessman Arena. Initially, the clinic plans to administer at least 200 doses per day and has the ability to do up to 500 doses per day, dependent on vaccine supply. Other DHS community-based vaccination clinics are located in the following counties: La Crosse, Marathon, Racine, and Rock. As of April 3, these sites have administered 18,505 total vaccine doses.
Two Million Wisconsinites Have Received at Least One Dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine
On April 8, Wisconsin reached another milestone in that over two million people in Wisconsin (34%) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 1.2 million individuals having completed their COVID-19 vaccine series.
The vaccine is just one tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and it will take time to vaccinate everyone. Please continue to follow good public health practices: mask up, maintain physical distance, wash your hands, and get tested.
Help Say Thank You During National Public Health Week April 5-11
This year National Public Health Week arrives at a time when communities are coming together to help one another reach health and safety goals. Public health staff have been the backbone of the work that has brought us to where we are today in the fight against COVID-19. Please help us by sharing your deepest gratitude and appreciation for the work of our public health heroes who have furthered the mission to protect and promote the health of everyone in Wisconsin, during one of our most challenging times.
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: 3,364,565 doses
- Administered: 3,380,401 doses
COVID-19 by the Numbers
COVID-19 Resources
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Other Languages, Graphics, and Print Materials
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.
New materials:
Options for Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccination, P-02914 (will be available in additional languages)
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Resilient Wisconsin: Coping During Challenging Times
We all experience stress. At every age, our daily lives are full of situations that elevate our heartbeats and frustrate or worry us. Most of the time, we have the support and skills we need to handle challenges like the first day of school, a new job, or the loss of a family member. But sometimes, the stress we experience is so intense—or goes on for so long—that it overwhelms our ability to cope. Learn more from Resilient Wisconsin about how to recognize the signs of stress.
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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 Thursday, April 8, with DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard.
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.
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