COVID-19 vaccine appointments open as availability expands
MILWAUKEE - As COVID-19 vaccine availability continues to expand, some providers are alerting the community to open appointments they are hoping to fill.
"The more vaccinations we can provide, the safer our community is going to be," said Dr. Patricia Golden, primary care medical director for Ascension Medical Group's Milwaukee region.
Since mid-December, Ascension Wisconsin has doled out more than 135,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We're doing about 10,000 a week in southeast Wisconsin," Golden said.
Announced Wednesday, April 7, the health care system will now vaccinate anyone ages 18 and up -- including individuals who are not Ascension patients.
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Through Ascension's online scheduling portal, those looking for a shot can enter their ZIP code, choose their preferred vaccine, and search available dates. Appointments are required.
"There's going to be certain locations that may be fully booked, but if they're willing to travel a little bit, we have several sites around the community that can take on those vaccination schedules for patients," said Golden.
Currently, Ascension Wisconsin is administering vaccines at the following locations in southeast Wisconsin:
- Ascension All Saints Hospital
- Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Milwaukee
- Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee
- Ascension St. Joseph
- Ascension St. Francis
- Ascension Elmbrook
- Ascension Franklin
"We also have now obtained 140 sites that are registered with the DHS, so very soon we will be pivoting this into our regular clinics," said Golden.
Meanwhile, at the Wisconsin Center, sufficient supply means appointments are available as soon as Thursday and Friday of this week. Anyone ages 16 and up looking to book shots there will need to register online.
"This is our way of a community to take care of each other," Golden said.
Ascension Wisconsin is also vaccinting 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds; however, those individuals are asked to schedule appointments directly through an Ascension Medical Group provider.
For additional information, visit healthcare.ascension.org.
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