Final phases of vaccine expansion announced

WAUSAU, Wis. — The final phases of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility expansion impacting the Aspirus service area have been announced by the Michigan and Wisconsin departments of health. Unless additional changes are announced, eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine will further expand as follows:
• Michigan Phase 1C (March 22) – People age 16 and older with disabilities and/or medical conditions, or caregivers of children with special health needs.
• Wisconsin Phase 1C (March 22) – People age 16 and older with certain medical conditions that have a greater risk of severe infection from COVID-19.
• Michigan Phase 2 (April 5) – Everyone age 16 and older.
• Wisconsin Phase 2 (May 1) – Everyone age 16 and older.
 Those who live in Aspirus’ service area in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin can request the COVID-19 vaccine through Aspirus as they become eligible. Appointments are offered based on vaccine supply in Aspirus locations throughout the U.P. and Wisconsin. Priority will continue to be given to individuals from earlier phases who previously requested vaccination.  
 How to request a vaccine when eligible
The best way to request a vaccine from Aspirus is through the MyAspirus patient portal when you become eligible. Vaccine appointment scheduling will become available directly through MyAspirus when eligibility Phase 2 begins in Michigan and Wisconsin on April 5 and May 1, respectively.
Aspirus schedulers will continue calling eligible individuals to make appointments prior to these dates and for anyone without a MyAspirus account. You do not need to be an existing Aspirus patient to have a MyAspirus account and can sign up online at MyAspirus.org.
 For those who do not wish to use MyAspirus, an alternative online request form is available at aspirus.org/vaccine. The Aspirus COVID-19 call center also remains available for anyone without internet access at 1-844-568-0701 or 715-843-1454. Language assistance is available over the phone as needed.  
Anyone within previously eligible groups 1A and 1B, such as essential workers, is encouraged to use these same options if you have not already requested vaccination.  
Those who have already submitted a vaccine request do not need to re-submit a request through MyAspirus and are asked to avoid calling Aspirus for vaccination status updates. This helps reserve staffed phone lines for outreach scheduling and for patients calling who are experiencing active symptoms or have care needs.
To date, Aspirus has provided more than 32,000 first- and second-dose vaccinations to eligible community members.
 The latest vaccine information will continue to be updated online at aspirus.org/vaccine.