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Wisconsin on Monday expanded COVID-19 eligibility to an estimated 700,000 additional residents, adding a broad group of essential workers — including school and child care staff, bus drivers, grocery store workers and others — to a list that already included frontline health care professionals, emergency responders and people 65 years and older.
Among those still not prioritized: people with chronic health conditions who don’t meet the type of age or occupation requirements listed above. That’s despite the fact that many chronically ill people are more likely to develop serious consequences from a COVID-19 infection, Rob Mentzer reports for WPR.
“In leaving those with chronic conditions until later, the state committee that set Wisconsin’s vaccine priority order departed from the guidance issued last year by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Mentzer reports, adding that the omission is fueling frustration and anger among some affected.
Top Stories
Those with chronic health conditions feel ignored by Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine effort — WPR
Where can you get the vaccine in Wisconsin? Here are the different places where vaccinations may be available — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Survey: Nearly half of Wisconsin manufacturers say business still down — WPR
FDA clears Johnson & Johnson’s shot, the third vaccine for U.S. — The New York Times
Madison area schools open since September say in-person learning can be safe amid COVID-19 pandemic — Wisconsin State Journal
No Racine County Jail inmates currently positive for COVID-19, nor are any County Sheriff’s staff — The Journal Times
Fraud overwhelms pandemic-related unemployment programs — Associated Press
McFarland community in uproar after teacher constructs COVID ‘fort’ in classroom — Wisconsin State Journal
I-Team investigates after Madison girl is refused services in her individualized education program — TMJ4 News
What are we missing? And how are you coping? Help us provide critical information and accountability by filling out this form or emailing us at tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Quotable
In a Twitter thread, Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist and senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists, pushes back against the perception that the newly approved one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine is inferior to other approved vaccines:
Folks—J&J vaccine is not “inferior”. It gives 100% protection against deaths just like Pfizer and Moderna ones. 72% in US overall—but was tested in a different era with more variants. And faster deployment for poorer areas, but worries about perception. 🧵https://t.co/BU5xnoGjpO
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) March 1, 2021
Data to note
Here’s a look at the Department of Health Services’ vaccine dashboard, which showed Monday that 54.4% of Wisconsinites ages 65 and older have gotten at least one dose — as have 15.7% of the state’s overall population. Racial disparities persist in distributing vaccines. The shares of Black, Hispanic and Native American residents to receive a dose remain significantly below that of white residents.
Public health officials continue to urge Wisconsinites to wear masks and practice physical distancing until vaccinations are more widely distributed.
WisContext offers this visualization of Wisconsin COVID-19 infections and deaths.
Find a vaccine site near you
DHS has this interactive map of vaccine providers across Wisconsin.
“This map is intended to help Wisconsinites more easily find and connect with vaccine providers in their area. It is also meant to provide a snapshot of where vaccines are being sent across the state,” the website says. DHS adds that vaccinations are generally by appointment only and it may take time to schedule appointments with providers due to limited supplies of vaccines.
Resilient Wisconsin
People helping others and showing resilience during this time of anxiety. Send suggestions by tagging us on social media — @wisconsinwatch — or emailing us: tips@wisconsinwatch.org.
Boys & Girls Club planning for post-pandemic needs — Beloit Daily News
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