Here & Now

Vaccine Receival in Wisconsin Becomes Tricky

Frederica Freyberg:

Wisconsin has administered more than 900,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. But even as the state has become a national leader, there are some people who feel they are getting left behind. “Here & Now” Senior Political Reporter Zac Schultz has one woman’s story.

Jackie Ross:

I’m on the list, but I never get called.

Zac Schultz:

Jackie Ross has been on the phone to nearly every health care provider in southern Wisconsin looking to see when she can get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Jackie Ross:

And I have been calling all over. It doesn’t do any good, but I do it.

Zac Schultz:

Jackie is 84 years old and has cancer. She also takes care of her partner who is 86 years old and disabled.

Jackie Ross:

I’m really desperate to get a vaccination because I know that my form of cancer is particularly vulnerable with this.

Zac Schultz:

She gets her primary care from a small, independent clinic in Madison and this is what she hears when she calls for information.

Voice on recording:

COVID vaccine update: We have a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines. We are currently calling patients to schedule over the age of 80 who meet the criteria or until we no longer have a supply. We understand that our patients are eager for the vaccine, but we ask that you not call the clinic for vaccine updates. We are unable to place patients on a wait list or provide a further update as of yet.

Jackie Ross:

I think that the clinic is not getting adequate supplies.

Zac Schultz:

Jackie says she has friends all over the state that are younger than her that have received their first dose.

Jackie Ross:

I’m beyond frustrated. I’m really upset.

Zac Schultz:

While Jackie feels left behind, she’s not alone.

Tess Ellens:

We recognize that there are a lot of folks that kind of fit a similar description.

Zac Schultz:

Tess Ellens is the COVID vaccine deputy for Public Health Madison Dane County.

Tess Ellens:

We’re definitely hearing the frustration of people that are waiting.

Zac Schultz:

She says the state has been receiving around 70,000 doses each week.

Tess Ellens:

Last week, the request to the state for the state of Wisconsin, the ask was 290,000 doses of vaccine. So those numbers are clearly not adding up.

Zac Schultz:

Unfortunately for Jackie, the fact her independent clinic is so small may hurt them.

Julie Willems Van Dijk:

Because of our distribution system, it is challenging for us to make deliveries of only 30, 40, 50 vaccines. So we’ve set a floor of at least 50 vaccines. I know some have asked for that and still not received them just because, again, of that — that challenging vaccination supply issue.

Tess Ellens:

We also recognize that some people that are with independent clinics might not be getting vaccine as quickly as larger health care systems.

Zac Schultz:

Public Health Madison Dane County does offer vaccinations but they’re prioritizing underserved groups.

Tess Ellens:

We’re really trying to work with folks that truly do not have a primary care provider, those who don’t have health insurance, things like that.

Zac Schultz:

Jackie gets her cancer treatment through UW Health, so she asked them.

Jackie Ross:

And just because my cancer doctor is at the UW, I can’t get it there.

Zac Schultz:

UW Health is vaccinating 5,000 people a week and working down to patients in their 60s. In a statement they explained we have received clear guidance that health systems are expected to vaccinate their patients as part of the overall effort and that has been interpreted locally as meaning those patients who receive their primary care within your system.

Jackie Ross:

I don’t know how someone our age, 84 and 86, are supposed to be scrounging around looking for a vaccine.

Zac Schultz:

In the end, Jackie will likely just have to keep waiting.

Tess Ellens:

The best thing to do is if you are connected with a health care provider, then unfortunately, you might just have to wait a little bit.

Zac Schultz:

Reporting from Madison, I’m Zac Schultz for “Here & Now.”

Frederica Freyberg:

For people like Jackie Ross having trouble trying to get a vaccine, nearly 200 Walgreens in Wisconsin are receiving more than 17,000 doses of the vaccine through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program and people have been able to sign up for appointments on their website. Also, Rock County will host the state’s first community vaccine clinic next Tuesday, with more such clinics being planned.