COVID vaccine eligibility expanded to those with varied illnesses

Starting on March 22, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announces that people age 16 and older with certain medical conditions associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are eligible for the vaccine. This newly eligible group adds more than 2 million people into the population eligible for the vaccine.

All groups now currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine include: -- Frontline health care personnel -- Residents and staff in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities -- Police and fire personnel, correctional staff -- Adults age 65 and older -- Educators and child care staff -- Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs -- Some public-facing essential workers -- Non-frontline essential health care personnel -- Staff and residents in congregate living facilities -- Individuals age 16 and older with the following medical conditions: Asthma (moderate-to-severe); Cancer; Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain); Chronic kidney disease; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); Cystic fibrosis; Diabetes; Down syndrome; Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; Hypertension or high blood pressure; Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines; Liver disease; Neurologic conditions, such as intellectual disabilities and dementia; Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg/m2); Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2); Pregnancy; Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues); Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more); Sickle cell disease; Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) “We have come a long way since we first received vaccine in mid-December. In just three months, our vaccine providers were able to fully vaccinate over 850,000 Wisconsinites,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “As people with certain medical conditions begin signing up for vaccination appointments, we ask for everyone’s continued patience. Some places may have waitlists, but eventually everyone will be able to get protected against the virus.”

There are many options for getting a vaccination. This can be through any of the following: -- DHS, federal, and locally run community-based vaccination clinics; Pharmacies; Health care providers More information about each of these options is available on the COVID-19 where to get vaccinated page. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for people 16 and 17 years old.

To find a local vaccine provider visit the COVID-19 vaccine provider map.

Certain vaccine providers are using the COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. Anyone can register for an appointment using the COVID-19 vaccine registry. After you register, you will be notified when you are able to schedule an appointment. Appointments are based on whether a vaccine provider in your area uses the registry for scheduling and has available vaccine, and your place on the waitlist.

Individuals can also call the toll-free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 with questions or help registering for a vaccination appointment.

By May 1, anyone 16 and older will be eligible for the vaccine.

Greenwood welcomes Sawmill Saloon

Representatives of the Clark County Economic Development Corp., the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the city of Greenwood were on hand on March 17 for a ribbon cutting at the Sawmill Saloon in Greenwood. The new business was opened by the Joe and Mary Domanico family (right side of photo) and is located at 125 S. Main St. The family plans to add food service soon, after the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

DEAN LESAR/STAFF PHOTO