MILWAUKEE — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has activated the vaccination process for the state's assisted living providers, just over one month after frontline workers began receiving vaccine doses.
The CEO of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, which represents the assisted living industry in the state, said in a statement Friday that they are "encouraged" by the announcement.
“Assisted living providers are serving the frail elderly population and individuals with disabilities who are highly susceptible to COVID-19," said CEO Michael Pochowski. "Wisconsin’s assisted living residents, caregivers, and staff have been and continue to be on the front-line of this pandemic and are eagerly awaiting the vaccine.”
The DHS on Friday activated part B of phase 1A of the Federal Pharmacy Partnership for the long-term care program, allowing residents of assisted living facilities and employees there to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
Residents of the facilities are one of the most likely populations to die from COVID-19 complications.
Federal recommendations stipulate that medical workers will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by the elderly and infirm. Wisconsin health officials expect the general population will start receiving vaccines sometime next spring.