'We can better reach everyone': Milwaukee County prepares for ZIP code program for vaccine
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- At Kosciuszko Community Center, paramedics and EMTs have been vaccinating certain eligible patients.
"This is not a normal thing for us to do but we’re very appreciative of the opportunity to help the community in this way," said Dan Pojar, EMS division director for Milwaukee County.
They'll be helping more in the community as one of the vaccination locations that is part of the ZIP code program.
"I think the opportunity to target vulnerable populations and provide them access to this vaccine is really important," said Pojar.
Starting Monday, anyone 16 and older will be eligible for the vaccine, regardless of any other eligibility criteria, if they live in one of 10 ZIP codes: 53204, 53205, 53206, 53209, 53215, 53216, 53218, 53223, 53224, 53233.
Officials say people can sign up at CovidMKE.com or Milwaukee.gov/CovidVax.
"In a more targeted way, by opening up all eligibility in our ten most vulnerable ZIP codes, we’re deliberately offering vaccines to our most disadvantaged communities. Of note, these ten ZIP codes include over 230,000 individuals in our county," said Dr. Ben Weston, director of medical services for the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.
Those 16 and 17 can only get the Pfizer vaccine. Right now, the Kosciuszko Community Site is only offering Moderna. The Milwaukee Health department will have Pfizer.
"The City of Milwaukee Health Department, both at our site at the Wisconsin Center and our community site, we will stock Pfizer so we can do 16 and older," said Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson.
"By opening eligibility to anyone 16 and older in these ten ZIP codes, across vaccination sites in our community, we can better reach everyone in these communities," said Weston.