APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Today’s eligibility expansion to all Wisconsinites 16 years-old and up comes three weeks earlier than previously expected.
“I think it’s a good idea because it sounds like it is spreading even more to other places,” said Steven Johnson in Appleton.
“I think it is up to each individual whether or not they want to get the vaccine,” said Yvonne Kaphingst.
Johnson and Kaphingst agree everyone should have a choice to get a COVID-19 shot.
Of the 5.8 million Wisconsities, 4.7 million are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, including nearly 223,000 Wisconsinites ages 16 -18.
“I feel like it was pushed through very fast,” said Kaphingst.
Kaphingst is 84 and does not plan to get her vaccine — and thinks it should only go to adults for now.
“I definitely don’t believe in younger people being vaccinated, the older people I can understand more,” said Kaphingst.
“They are going to school and they won’t have to close the schools down if more people are vaccinated,” said Johnson.
Only the Pfizer vaccine can be given to people 16- and 17- years-old.
No COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for the 20% of residents who are under 16-years-old.
Bellin Health Emergency Physician Dr. Brad Burmeister says the more people who are vaccinated, the better protected we are from COVID-19.
“There is this 16 to 17 to 18 year old age group are some parents hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?” asked FOX 11.
Dr. Burmeister replied, “You know I haven’t heard a lot of hesitancy with that group.”
He says the state is in a good position to increase the eligibility.
“I think we are getting close to meeting the supply with the current demand.”
Dr. Burmeister says Wisconsin continues to lead the country in vaccine rollout.
He says the vaccine demand is high right now, but will slowly ease as we get through the people who want the vaccine.
