WI Vaccine Registry Launches March 1, Full Rollout By April 1

WISCONSIN —The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Thursday a website connecting residents with available vaccine will launch on March 1 and be available statewide by April 1.

The Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry will be a hub informing people about where and when they can get vaccinated and allowing them to schedule an appointment, according to a release.

Officials said the registry will be used by those who opt in rather than serve as a comprehensive resource for all vaccination options. Health care systems, pharmacies and local health departments will continue to maintain their own registration and scheduling programs.

Gov. Tony Evers said the state's new vaccine registry will be vital in the effort to get all Wisconsinites access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

"It will make it easier for the public to get vaccinated, and assist vaccinators in tracking available supply," Evers said.

Although the website will begin pilot testing this month and be rolled out in increments starting March 1, the governor cautioned that its existence does not mean vaccines suddenly will be available to everyone.

"It is important to remember that the vaccine supply in Wisconsin is extremely limited and that most people will not be able to get appointments to be vaccinated right away," Evers said.

Still, the website is seen as an important tool for those seeking a vaccine - informing them about availability, eligibility and providing reminders about getting a second dose -and those tasked with giving vaccines.

According to a release, a small group of local health departments will begin testing the Wisconsin Vaccine Registry software next week. Starting March 1, the registry, which uses Microsoft software, will be rolled out in increments to participating health departments. The DHS said it expects the system to be available to all interested vaccinators in the state by April 1.

"We are thrilled to make the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccination Registry available to local and tribal health departments," said Karen Timberlake, DHS interim secretary. "This registry will help make the process of getting vaccines easier for Wisconsin residents and will also help partners across the state who are administering vaccines."

Information, resources and data related to Wisconsin's COVID-19 vaccination program is available online at the DHS' COVID-19 webpage. When the registry goes live, it will be accessible from that page.