One clinic to be located in Marathon County

For the Wausau Times

MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced the creation of four additional community-based vaccination clinics. The vaccination clinics will be located in La Crosse County, Racine County, Marathon County, with the last clinic split between Douglas and Barron County. Locations will open within the next two months.

“Our first week of the DHS community-based vaccination clinic at Rock County was a success and we are excited to continue launching more of these community clinics across Wisconsin,” said Governor Tony Evers. “We are continuing to work to get vaccine doses across our state as soon as we have doses available. These community-based sites are going to be critical to our work making sure that Wisconsinites can get vaccinated so we can put this pandemic behind us.”

The new clinics—which are made possible through collaboration with AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, the University of Wisconsin system, local public health departments, and other local partners—were selected to address gaps in vaccine access and support vaccination efforts. Various factors including population demographics, local health capacity, operations, and concentration of other vaccine providers are taken into consideration when planning for these vaccination clinics. All individuals currently eligible for the vaccine, regardless of where they live, will be able to schedule an appointment.

Wisconsin currently has over 1,800 vaccine providers to help get available vaccine to those who are eligible. This includes the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, where select Walgreens continue to expand their vaccination capacity. This week, 178 Walgreens locations in Wisconsin will be receiving a total of 35,350 vaccine doses which is double the amount from last week. If you are currently eligible for vaccine, call 1-800-Walgreens or visit the Walgreens online registration website to schedule an appointment. Supply will be limited. Individuals can also find vaccination options by contacting your healthcare provider, visiting your local public health department’s website, or beginning March 1, registering through the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry to find a vaccinator who has opted into the registry. 

“Our biggest priority is to get shots in arms equitably, quickly, and safely. That is why we will continue adopting strategies and engaging in partnerships that will reduce barriers for individuals currently eligible for vaccine,” said Interim DHS Secretary Karen Timberlake. “We are expanding our capacity to deliver COVID-19 vaccines as more vaccine becomes available and as more people are eligible to be vaccinated. Along with mobile vaccination teams, various local vaccine providers, and pharmacy partners, these clinics are one of the many ways that folks can protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19.”

For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm.