Respiratory Therapist Kerri Matykowski receives the COVID-19 Vaccine from Sara Bauman, Emergency Services/Urgent Care Manager at Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital. (Courtesy Ascension)

County launches online vaccination appointment scheduler

March 14, 2021

By Patrick Lynn

Portage Co. Health and Human Services has announced a new online COVID-19 vaccination appointment scheduler is available for public use.

Eligible residents are now able to go online to schedule a vaccination appointment at their convenience using this link: https://wi-telegov.egov.com/portage-county. Individuals will be asked eight questions to determine their eligibility questions prior to scheduling an appointment.

Anyone who has already been scheduled for boosters and/or first doses through HHS will not need to schedule another appointment, as they have already been factored into the schedule.

Appointments for the following week will open each Saturday, but additional appointments may become available on short notice during the week.

Vaccination clinics are held on Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturdays at varying times depending on vaccine allotment. When appointments are filled for each date it will no longer be available unless there’s a cancelation.

People who are eligible to register, in order of priority, include:

• Front line health care personnel
• Residents in skilled nursing facilities
• Residents of long-term care
• Police and fire personnel, correctional staff
• Individuals age 65 and older
• Educators and childcare providers
• Individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs
• Some public-facing essential workers (such as agriculture and retail workers)
• Non-frontline essential health care personnel
• Staff and residents in congregate living facilities

More information about eligibility groups is available on the DHS vaccine webpage.

Starting March 29, those who are 16-64 with underlying health conditions will also be available to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, though the county will prioritize vaccination for individuals who are frontline health care, EMS, fire, and police workers, providing direct patient care and long-term care residents, and those who are age 65+.

Anyone with concerns or questions should contact the Portage County ADRC at (715) 346-1401 or toll-free at 1-866-920-2525 for assistance.