Strong demand for 65-Plus COVID vaccination appointments causing web and phone delays
GREEN BAY — With Tuesday’s announcement that individuals age 65 and older can now schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments, it quickly became clear at Bellin Health that demand would be very strong. As a result, there have been longer than usual wait times for scheduling, both online and by phone.
“We are really encouraged by the strong demand we’re seeing for vaccination appointments among those ages 65 and older,” said Kathy Kerscher, Bellin Health Vice President of Primary Care. “We want to provide as many vaccines to eligible groups as possible. We have ramped up our online capabilities via MyBellin.org and added customer service representatives to our phone scheduling lines in anticipation of strong demand — but it’s been even greater than expected, resulting in longer wait times. We ask everyone trying to schedule an appointment to please be patient.”
Kerscher said this initial surge should even out over the next 24 to 48 hours, allowing for more people to get through.
“I’d not only like to thank the public for their patience but would like to thank our customer service representatives and our I.T. personnel for putting in extra time and effort to accommodate this surge,” Kerscher said.
Those now eligible to receive the vaccine, in accordance with State of Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, include individuals age 65 and older, healthcare workers, first responders and police, and fire personnel.
Vaccinations for these groups only can be scheduled via an individual’s MyBellin account or by calling the Bellin Health COVID-19 hotline at (920) 445-7313. Individuals do not need to be Bellin patients to schedule vaccinations.
Vaccinations will be administered at the following locations:
Bellin Health will continue to keep patients and the community updated via the following channels:
Scheduling is open for vaccinations beginning Jan. 25
GREEN BAY — In accordance with state of Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, Bellin Health will begin vaccinating individuals age 65 and older starting Monday, Jan. 25.
Vaccinations for individuals age 65 and older can be scheduled via an individual’s MyBellinHealth account or by calling the Bellin Health COVID-19 hotline at (920) 445-7313. Individuals do not need to be Bellin patients to schedule vaccinations.
Vaccinations will be administered at the following locations:
Please note: Appointment availability will be dependent on vaccine supply. A limited number of vaccinations for individuals ages 65-plus may be available this week.
Bellin Health will continue to keep patients and the community updated via the following channels:
Site opens Monday, Jan. 18 for individuals in Phase 1A
ASHWAUBENON — Bellin Health will open a COVID-19 vaccination site Monday, Jan. 18 at the Bellin Health Ashwaubenon clinic, 1630 Commanche Ave.
Vaccine prioritization is occurring in accordance with the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Currently, vaccination is available to individuals in Phase 1A, which includes healthcare providers and skilled nursing facility residents and staff. Phase 1B will include essential workers and individuals aged 70-plus. More details about Phase 1B, including when it will begin, will be shared soon. Click here for more information about DHS prioritization.
The new site will allow Bellin to vaccinate more individuals with a better logistical flow as additional phases open up, said Bellin Health President & CEO Chris Woleske.
“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in our area is exciting news for our community, and we want to make it as easy as possible for eligible individuals to be vaccinated as rollout proceeds,” Woleske said. “This new site offers a convenient location and ease of parking and building access, making the vaccination process as simple as possible for those we serve.”
Individuals do not need to be Bellin Health patients to be vaccinated at the Ashwaubenon site. Vaccines scheduling will be available at MyBellin.org or by calling (920) 445-7313.
Please note: Only individuals who qualify for the current phase of vaccination will be able to schedule vaccines. Bellin patients and community members are encouraged to create their MyBellin accounts now for quick and easy scheduling when they are eligible to be vaccinated.
Individuals who arrive at the new site to be vaccinated should enter the Ashwaubenon clinic at the Northwest entrance and follow the signage to the vaccination location. Masking is required. After receiving their vaccine, individuals will need to wait 15 minutes for monitoring before departing.
Bellin Fitness members should note that a section of the turf will be closed for use during vaccination hours, 7 am – 5 pm Monday – Friday and 8 am – 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays. The other portions of the Fitness Center will remain open for use.
Bellin Health currently is vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay. Scheduled vaccinations will continue there for the time being and eventually transfer to the Ashwaubenon site.
Bellin Health will share additional details about vaccination prioritization and process as they become available. More information about COVID-19 and the vaccine is available at bellin.org/covid19.