State health and business officials discuss positive trend in Wisconsin’s vaccine rollout

MILWAUKEE, WI (CBS 58) – State health officials and business leaders discussed strategies around the vaccine rollout in Wisconsin.

The Greater Milwaukee Committee panel reiterated how vaccine numbers in the state and the city are on a positive trend.

“It’s pretty good,” says Dr. John Raymond, president and CEO of the Medical College of Wisconsin. “Maybe better than we’ve had since last spring.”

As of Sunday, the state had 329 positive cases, which is average for us since last summer. Another sign of improvement, officials say.

“This week we’re going to get 138,000 first doses plus the 48,000 from Johnson & Johnson,” says Secretary Karen Timberlake of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. “So, think about that in terms of the magnitude of improvement.”

Officials say those 48,000 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson will be reserved for child care workers and educators.

On the Department of Health Services website, you’ll now see a map where vaccines are available across the state.

“In addition to the map, we have a toll free phone number and a number of other resources to make sure we help people understand where to go when it’s their turn,” says Timberlake.

Businesses leaders on the call discussed the role employers have in accessibility and education for their employees.

“This is local and this is personal,” says Mara Lord, senior vice president of the Medical College of Wisconsin. “People have to make a personal choice about this, and community immunity happens locally.”

“So, if everybody is willing to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and not drop their guard for the next few months, I think maybe by this fall we’re going to be able to feel like it’s a new day,” says Dr. Raymond.

Officials applaud the efforts currently underway for the vaccine rollout and say their goal is still to vaccinate 80% of the adult population, which they say we’re on track to do.