MADISON, Wisconsin – Wisconsin residents can now apply to be notified when they can receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services launched its vaccine registration page on Wednesday. For those who are already eligible for the vaccine, registration gives patients a way to sign up for an appointment, if there is availability in the place where they live. Those who are not yet qualified can apply to receive a notice when they can apply for an appointment in their area.
DHS officials said the site will not be a comprehensive list of all vaccination options, considering that local health systems, pharmacies and health departments may have their own scheduling systems.
Only one vaccinator, the Rock County Community Vaccination Clinic, was using the registration at launch.
The Associated Press reported that four other local health departments were testing the registry and could start using it soon. These were the cities of Wauwatosa and the counties of Green, Marathon and Oneida.
Patients can complete a short 5-minute survey that includes questions about demographics, medical history and history of COVID-19.
When the site was first announced in mid-February, Governor Tony Evers said it would be “vital” to the state’s vaccination efforts.
“This record will be vital in our effort to ensure that all Wisconsin residents have access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Evers in a statement. “This will make it easier for the public to be vaccinated and help vaccinators to track available supplies.”
State health officials launched a Web page with vaccine locators in late February to help people find vaccinators in their area. The online tool provides information on hundreds of vaccination posts across the state.
On Wednesday, 928,958 Wisconsin residents received at least one dose of the vaccine. That is about 16% of adults in the state.
More information on vaccination progress in the state is available on the DHS vaccine information page.
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