Aspirus, Ascension have different appointment procedures

Star Journal Report

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced today that health systems will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations to people age 65 and older Monday, Jan. 25. This is part of Phase 1b.

Ascension Wisconsin issued a statement essentially telling patients, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

“In this limited initial round of public vaccinations, those who want to be vaccinated must schedule an appointment and be a current patient of Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin,” stated Dr. Gregory Brusko, chief clinical officer for Ascension Wisconsin. “(Ascension) is in the process of reviewing medical records for all existing patients and contacting eligible patients over the coming weeks who fit the above criteria.”

He added a plea for patients NOT to call the hospitals or clinics regarding vaccinations. Eligible patients will be contacted by Ascension.

Aspirus, on the other hand, is telling patients to schedule their own appointments when their demographic comes up.

“I would encourage everyone to watch for when you are eligible, and then contact us,” said Susan Schneider, MD, Aspirus System senior physician executive.

Schneider said patients can use their “My Aspirus” account, which is “being ramped up” to accommodate vaccine scheduling, and appointments can be requested online through the Aspirus website.

People should continue to social distance, wear masks and wash hands after being vaccinated.

According to the DHS, there are approximately 700,000 people in the state who are age 65 and older. Wisconsin currently receives around 70,000 first-dose vaccines per week from the federal government.