WISCONSIN — Wisconsin is expecting to receive the first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine this week, Governor Tony Evers announced Monday.
The initial shipment is expected to contain around 16,000 doses. However, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is expecting around 100,000 doses over the next few weeks.
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Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, the Moderna vaccine can be stored at normal temperatures in normal freezers, allowing for more shipments across the state.
“Folks, this is exciting news. The COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool we need to battle this pandemic,” said Gov. Evers. “While we do not have control over how much vaccine the federal government allocates to our state, I can promise that we are doing everything we can to ensure that our distribution is fair and equitable.”
In preparation for the shipment, Governor Evers and DHS activated the federal government's long-term care pharmacy distribution program which allocates 29,000 doses to long-term care residents and staff.
“I know that many people are wanting to get vaccinated and we are asking everyone to be patient,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm.