MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Wisconsin residents over the age of 16 will be eligible for the vaccine a month earlier than planned.
Governor Tony Evers announced on Tuesday afternoon that the general public will be eligible to receive the vaccine starting on Monday, April 5. The governor made the announcement on social media ahead of a planned press conference with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at 1:30 p.m.
BREAKING: Wisconsin leads the nation in getting available shots in arms, and today we’re announcing everyone 16 and older will be eligible to receive a #COVID19 vaccine starting next week. pic.twitter.com/WCvKVRms4K
— Governor Tony Evers (@GovEvers) March 30, 2021
In a news release Governor Evers says, “We knew all along our COVID-19 vaccination program would be a massive undertaking, and we’re proud Wisconsin is currently leading the country in these efforts and that we’re now able to give all Wisconsinites 16 and older the opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Gov. Evers. “This marks a major milestone in our state’s fight against this virus and gets us closer to overcoming this pandemic and bouncing back together. Thank you to all the folks in public health, vaccinators, and staff helping make this possible,”.
It was initially planned that the general public would be able to be eligible for the vaccine by May 1st. While everyone will be eligible starting April 5, some areas of the state may have a higher demand for vaccinations and may have waitlists. Vaccine providers will prioritize anyone previously eligible such as public-facing essential workers and people with medical conditions.
To find a local vaccine provider visit the COVID-19 vaccine provider map or visit https://vaccinefinder.org. Individuals can also call the toll-free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 with questions or help to register for a vaccination appointment. The hotline is also available in Hindi, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.
