COVID-19 Vaccines Will Be Available For Residents 65+ Starting Next Week

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Today, that residents over the age of 65 will now be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Jan. 25. Right now front line workers in hospitals, nursing homes, firefighters and EMT's are all eligible for the vaccine.

COVID-19 has more severe effects on older persons when they contract the virus with many people becoming seriously ill or even dying. There are approximately 700,000 residents in Wisconsin that are 65 and older and they are hoping to vaccinate 70,000 people per week with the first dose.

DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said:

Older adults have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and prioritizing this population will help save lives. Wisconsin systems and operations are ready to vaccinate more people. The amount of vaccine we get from the federal government will determine how quickly we can get these groups vaccinated. Our partners in health care, pharmacies, and local public health are ready and up to the task.

This is a positive step in the right direction to combat this pandemic for the average citizen to be able to get the first stage of the vaccine. Although no time lines have been set up yet for people under the age of 65 it is obvious that these vaccines need to be set up in a priority tier for those that are most at risk of contracting COVID-19. All residents are still encouraged to wear masks, socially distance themselves, wash hands thoroughly and stay away from large group gatherings at home or out in public. Wisconsin data results are available here.