WI Coronavirus Vaccine Hub: Where, Who And How To Get Immunized

MADISON, WI— The vaccine rollout in Wisconsin as with much of the country has faced its fair share of hurdles that have left residents feeling frustrated.

Still, more and more people are getting shots daily and the state has been averaging giving about Wisconsin is averaging 30,763 doses a day over the last 7 days , according to Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The vaccine is being administered at state run mass sites in Janesville, La Crosse, Racine and Marathon counties, and the last split between Douglas and Barron counties as well as at smaller countywide sites. Pharmacies are also beginning to vaccinate eligible residents.

The state has also pledged to ensure equity in vaccine distribution with a new grant program.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced on Feb. 15 a $6.1 million investment to support community-based organizations in raising awareness and access to COVID-19 vaccine among communities that have faced both historical and current barriers to health care services and the COVID-19 vaccine. $3.1 million of the investment will fund efforts to activate organizations to serve as trusted messengers to build vaccine confidence and reduce barriers that may impede vaccinations in urban and rural areas.

“COVID-19 vaccines are available in hundreds of places around the state every day, but people without easy access to the internet, or without an existing relationship with a healthcare provider, may not be aware of how to get vaccinated when they are eligible,” said DHS Interim Secretary Karen Timberlake. “We also know that some people may not trust information about the COVID-19 vaccine due to a history of racism and mistreatment experienced by many communities. This grant will help close gaps in access to information and address some of those drivers of vaccine hesitancy by investing in partners that are in the best positions to promote vaccination efforts in their communities.”

The first step in getting your vaccination appointment scheduled is to see if you're eligible to get it now.

Who Can Get Vaccinated

As of Feb. 25, the coronavirus vaccine is available to the following Wisconsin residents:

Frontline health care personnel
Residents of long-term care
Police and fire personnel, correctional staff
Adults ages 65 and older

Vaccine providers are still prioritizing previously eligible groups, such as individuals ages 65 and older, before vaccinating groups eligible on March 1. Based on the amount of vaccine doses available, it will take months for all newly eligible groups to get vaccinated; however, education staff are the first priority in the newly eligible populations.

Starting on Monday, the state will add teachers and other child care workers to its list of residents qualifying to receive the coronavirus vaccine, the DHS deputy director said.

In Wisconsin, vaccination appointments open to the next consecutive priority group once 50 percent of the previous group has been vaccinated, meaning the state is on track to begin vaccinating educators and child care workers on March 1.

Where To Get Vaccinated

Wisconsin has over 1,200 COVID-19 eligible vaccinators across the state. People will be vaccinated at many places including: health care providers, pharmacies, local health departments, places of employment, and community based vaccination sites. Local health departments are coordinating many of the local options.

The Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry will be available in early March. It allows Wisconsin residents to register for COVID-19 vaccinations locally – when they are eligible, and as vaccine becomes available. The Wisconsin Vaccine Registry will be used by those who opt in and will not be a comprehensive resource for all vaccination options. Not all vaccine providers will use this registry.