Leaders work to expedite arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in city of Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- During the first Milwaukee County COVID briefing of the new year, leaders stressed they're doing what's necessary to prepare for the arrival of the vaccine.

City of Milwaukee Acting Health Commissioner Marlaina Jackson said the goal is to have clinics up and running for the 1A group to get their vaccines by next week.

That group includes frontline workers and first responders.

Mayor Tom Barrett said he's asked the state for an additional supply of COVID vaccines, with the goal of having them arrive by the end of the week.

 "I can promise we're going to do whatever we can to get the vaccine here as quick as possible, and the reason for that is I feel a sense of urgency to vaccinate our residents," Barrett said. 

Milwaukee County received 300 doses of the vaccine on Monday, Jan. 4, and is currently administering it to members of the 1A group. 

There's hope that the general public could begin receiving a vaccine as early as May.

Mayor Barrett, along with other local leaders, is asking the community to be patient during this distribution process.