MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin expanded its COVID vaccine eligibility to more residents in Phase 1B after making good progress on getting shots to its earlier targets. Here is a look at those eligible in this order.

  • Educators and child care workers
  • Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
  • Some public-facing essential workers, including 911 operators, utility and communications infrastructure, public transit, and food supply chain
  • Non-frontline essential health care personnel
  • Congregate living facility staff and residents

The move adds around 700,000 Wisconsinites to the vaccine line, according to DHS estimates. And, of course, groups that were already eligible in 1A— including health care workers, long-term care facilities, first responders, and adults 65 and up — are still able to get their shots as well. 

However, some people who are at high risk from COVID-19, are not eligible in Wisconsin and that group includes those with underlying medical conditions.

Several Wisconsinites who have chronic health conditions don’t understand why the DHS prioritized those ages 65 and older but have not prioritized those with underlying medical conditions.

Holly Cole, who has chronic health conditions, started a petition to help raise awareness for those who have underlying health conditions and want to be vaccinated.

So far, more than 1,000 have signed the petition.

“For some reason we are turning a blind eye to the pain that they have to endure every day and the fear," explained Cole. "The worst thing is we can stop it with a simple vaccination."

You can read more about the petition here.

Wisconsin’s DHS is expected to announce the next eligible group Thursday.