MILWAUKEE — Nine health departments across Wisconsin are preparing to test a new COVID-19 vaccine registry starting this week.
That includes some departments right here in the TMJ4 News viewing area.
The Department of Health Services' new registry will help people determine if they can get the vaccine – or even schedule an appointment.
“I don’t think we’ve been to a movie since the fall of 2019,” said Joe Mueller, a Wisconsin resident who eagerly awaits his COVID-19 vaccine. he’s following all of CDC guidelines in order to stay safe in the meantime.
He’s eligible but is still waiting...
“The wait can be frustrating due to the fact that my wife and I are over 70 with some underlying health concerns,” Mueller said.
State officials are hoping its new tool could help shine some light on people’s vaccination dates here in Wisconsin.
“This would be a one-stop-shop to bring everything into one system,” said Laura Stephens, the interim health officer, at the Wauwatosa Health Department. it’s one of three in Southeastern Wisconsin beginning the registry’s trial run on Monday.
The idea; streamlining vaccine appointments and information into one convenient place.
“If there are opportunities available, they’re be matched and they’ll be able to schedule an appointment,” Stephens said.
The state’s COVID-19 registry, when ready, would allow residents to register and schedule their COVID-19 vaccines, it also would allow people not-yet eligible for the vaccine to get onto a waiting list.
The state is hoping to have the database up by March first, testing for it internally begins Monday. The state said all vaccine providers would be added over time.