65 And Older Will Soon Be Eligible For Coronavirus Vaccine In WI

MADISON, WI— The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced on Tuesday that adults over the age of 65 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Jan. 25.

As of now, frontline health care workers, residents in long-term care facilities and police and fire personnel are eligible to receive the vaccine.

There are 700,000 people who are 65 and older and Wisconsin currently receives around 70,000 first-dose vaccines per week from the federal government. Officials notes that it would take time to vaccinate those 65 and older.

Since coronavirus has more severe consequences in older adults, officials said prioritizing this population will help protect more Wisconsinites from serious illness and death.

Wisconsinites who are 65 and older will be able to access the vaccine through their health care provider, pharmacy, or local health agency. Those being vaccinated directly through their health care provider should be contacted to schedule an appointment.

Residents and staff at long-term care facilities will be vaccinated at their facilities through the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program, which is a federal public-private partnership.

According to DHS, 248,185 vaccines have been administered.