COVID-19 vaccination numbers continue to climb in Milwaukee, more than 95K doses given

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- COVID-19 vaccination numbers continue to climb in Milwaukee.

City health leaders gave an update to the Public Health and Safety Committee on Thursday, April 22.

There’s been a definite jump in vaccination numbers this month.

To date, the Milwaukee Health Department has given more than 95,000 doses – up from 55,000 at the beginning of this month.

Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said 38% of Milwaukeeans have gotten their first dose.

Nearly 22% of the city’s population is fully vaccinated.

Johnson also discussed COVID cases in children, saying overall cases have increased, but not at a concerning rate.

She says they are consistent with adult and city infection rates.

“We still obviously have cases in children. It is something, absolutely, to continue to watch but I don’t see that there’s a specific increase in children at this point. Again, we’re watching it closely," City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said.

Health leaders did answer questions from Committee members on pool testing of its students and staff within Milwaukee Public Schools.

MPS confirmed two positive cases at a school this week.

The Health Department is not involved in their testing process.

“Those samples are then sent to Exact Sciences, which is one of one of the labs here in Wisconsin. So that process is streamlined, at this point," Deputy Commissioner of Health Marlaina Jackson said.

Johnson also gave updates on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

MHD had administered more than 1,500 doses before the CDC recommended a pause on J&J vaccine citing concerns over, sometimes fatal, blood clotting in patients.

Locally, Johnson said there are still 10 people who are within the two-week window of concern for side effects.

By Friday, she said they will be cleared.