Waukesha County To Focus On Vaccination Of 65 Plus Population

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI—Waukesha County and its healthcare partners will continue to focus COVID-19 vaccination efforts on the 65 and older population until at least 60% of the individuals in this group have had access to at least one dose of vaccine, according to a press release.

The state has said vaccine providers should prioritize previously eligible groups before newer groups. Both state and county plans do not anticipate vaccine becoming available to additional groups until mid-March.

As of Friday, February 26, 49.9% of Waukesha County’s 65 and older population have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. At the current rate of vaccination, Waukesha County anticipates reaching the 60% threshold in mid-March, the release said.

By the time the 60% threshold is met for vaccinating older adults, Waukesha County anticipates having an increased vaccine supply.

While educators will be eligible to be vaccinated starting March 1, the State of Wisconsin will not begin allocating vaccine doses for educators until March 15.

Waukesha County is providing DHS with the number of vaccine doses needed for local educators. DHS will set aside a forecasted amount of vaccine just for educators and will determine which districts or schools will prioritized for vaccination. Educators should wait to hear from their school or district to learn when vaccine appointments will be available to them.

Wisconsin DHS estimates that additional eligible groups, such as essential workers and people living in congregate settings will be able to access vaccine as soon as April. However, access to vaccination is based on the vaccine supply, and these estimated timeframes could change.