Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations expands, but it won’t happen overnight
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Police and fire department personnel became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as part of Phase 1B in Wisconsin as of Jan. 18. Now adults over the age of 65 are eligible for the vaccine as of Jan. 25.
Previously, in Phase 1A, frontline health care workers, and residents in long-term care facilities (nursing homes and assisted living facilities) were the first priority for immunizations during the first phase of vaccinations.
“This is great news and will help save lives in one of the populations we know is particularly vulnerable to severe effects of the virus,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a radio address on Jan. 21 relative to the subject. But he cautioned the public that the process will take time. “The amount of vaccine we get from the federal government will determine how quickly we get through this group of approximately 700,000 Wisconsinites,” Evers said.
“Wisconsin currently receives around 70,000 first-dose vaccines per week from the federal government,” the DHS press release stated. That means there won’t be enough vaccine to get everyone age 65+ vaccinated overnight, even if they are eligible.
Shelley Hersil, Health Officer/Director for the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) issued a statement reminding the public: “It will take some time for us to transition to offering vaccine to 65 and older.” According to the LCHD, there are more than 6,000 residents age 65+ living in Lincoln County. In addition, Lincoln County vaccine providers are still in the process of vaccinating those people eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1a and providing the second dose of the vaccination to many.
The COVID-19 vaccine is administered in two separate injections, with the second dose being administered 3-4 weeks after the first shot.
Hersil emphasized her department will stay in contact with news media, like the Foto News, so it is important for people to be patient and to watch the media for updates. LCHD staff is limited at this time and will have a hard time doing all that they need to do if they are inundated with phone calls. They will share information as soon as it is available, Hersil assured.
A recent report from the LCHD reminds us: “It will likely take several months before we are able to provide widespread vaccinations in Wisconsin. Once the vaccine is available for the general public, there will be a number of ways to receive it including, through a doctor’s office visit, at local pharmacies, local and tribal health departments, community based clinics, and mobile vaccination sites. The State is committed to ensuring that the COVID-19 vaccine is accessible to all Wisconsinites through planning, distribution, and ongoing partnership with our local, state, and federal partners.”
You can stay up to date on the latest information by visiting the Lincoln County Health Department’s website: www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or call their Vaccine Message Line at 715-539-1375.
Aspirus Updates
Aspirus announced last Thursday, Jan. 21, that all requests for COVID-19 vaccination appointments must be made online at this time. “Those eligible to receive the COVID vaccine should go online to aspirus.org/vaccine and submit a request to receive a call back for an appointment,” their press release said. “Requests for COVID-19 vaccination appointments will not be taken through the Aspirus COVID-19 Call Center until further notice, to give those needing COVID testing and other support better access to these resources.” Those who are eligible for the vaccine can expect to receive a call back from Aspirus schedulers, but “the timing of call backs and appointment availability will vary due to the high demand and vaccine supply.”
“Demand for the vaccine currently far outweighs the supply, which is tightly controlled by state and federal agencies,” Aspirus stated. “Appointments will be scheduled based on the amount of vaccine Aspirus receives each week.” Vaccinations are available by appointment only and limited to only those who are eligible, Aspirus emphasized. And walk-ins are not accepted.
The latest eligibility information for Aspirus patients and vaccine resources are available online at: aspirus.org/vaccine.
Ascension Updates
Ascension hospitals are taking a slightly different approach. They will reach out to their eligible patients as the vaccine becomes available, so patients don’t need to call them.
“Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin (AMG-WI) is in the process of reviewing medical records for all existing patients and contacting eligible patients, over the coming weeks, who fit the above criteria,” said Dr. Gregory Brusko, Chief Clinical Officer for Ascension Wisconsin in a press release issued Jan. 19. “Please do not call our hospitals or clinics regarding vaccinations. As vaccines are limited at this time, AMG-WI will contact eligible patients.”
Brusko went on to say that vaccinations will be done by appointment only, and appointments will be scheduled as they reach out to eligible patients to see if they wish to receive the vaccination. At this time, they are only providing vaccinations to current patients of AMG-WI due to the limited supply of the vaccine.
If you are an Ascension Wisconsin patient, you can stay up to date on the latest AMG-WI vaccination information online at: https://healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19/vaccinations.