DHS launches new COVID-19 vaccine dashboard

Today the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released a new dashboard that provides an overview of COVID-19 vaccine administration in Wisconsin. The dashboard, which can be found at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-data.htm, includes a breakdown of administration by sex, age, race and ethnicity, as well as vaccine administration by county.

Common Council President Cavalier Johnson applauds DHS for releasing this information, but acknowledges more work needs to be done. “Transparency in the vaccine rollout is vital, and I appreciate the efforts of DHS to make sure the community knows exactly how things are going,” he said. “The data indicates that thus far a racial disparity exists among those who have been vaccinated both in Milwaukee County and statewide. We must use this information to make well-informed decisions on who receives vaccines and how moving forward, particularly as we utilize methods such as mobile vaccine clinics.”

The dashboard indicates that as of February 11, 8.3% of Milwaukee County residents have received at least one vaccine dose. A further breakdown shows that 8.7% of white residents in Milwaukee County have received at least one vaccine dose, compared to just 2.7% of Black residents and 3% of Hispanic residents countywide.

In total, Milwaukee County has administered just over 100,000 vaccine doses. Public Safety and Health Committee Chair Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic believes that number should be much higher. “Vaccination is one of our best tools to combat this virus, and the City of Milwaukee must be allocated our fair share given our population and density,” she said.

“I would urge DHS to distribute vaccines on a more proportional basis and to include our unique social and health determinants in these distribution decisions immediately. We have shown that if we have doses we can get them into arms efficiently,” Alderwoman Dimitrijevic said.

Residents can find additional COVID-19 vaccine information, and other health related updates, by visiting https://mke-vaccines.egov.com/ and www.healthymke.com. Those 65+ are currently eligible to receive a vaccine and can register online at www.mke-vaccines.egov.com. For those with no internet access, please call 414-286-8600. Appointments are based on availability of supplies.