How are you scheduling vaccines?

Right now, our staff is calling all patients who meet our criteria to schedule their vaccines. As we do not know how many vaccines we will receive, we are only scheduling a week at a time. We are also working on a self-scheduling tool that is integrated into MyUnityPoint that will allow patients to schedule their own vaccines online.

Can we sign-up for the vaccine?

There is no general sign-up list at this time. Once a patient is eligible for the vaccine, they will either receive a call or a link specific to them via MyUnityPoint.

Do you have a cancellation list?

No, at this time, we do not have a cancellation list.

Do you have a timeline?

No. Due to a very limited and unpredictable vaccine supply, we cannot give out a timeline. However, supply is expected to increase with widespread availability at some point in 2021.

As soon as larger quantities of vaccines are available, our goal is for all patients to easily receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

How are you distributing vaccines?

The DHS has adopted a model in which non-health system vaccinators like pharmacies, local businesses, community organizations and pop-up vaccine clinics are playing a larger role in receiving supply and providing vaccinations. As community sites do not have the capacity to determine the level of risk for each patient, we feel it is our role to try to prioritize a subset of our patients who carry the highest risk within this identified group, as determined by the CDC, DHS, and our physicians to make sure these vulnerable patients are not overlooked. We will reach out to these patients by phone to schedule. Please do not call or MyChart us to inform of us of your status, as it may delay our ability to provide timely care for patients with urgent medical needs.

I have a special circumstance, but do not meet the age requirements or Priority Group status, can I be vaccinated?

Many of our patients have special circumstances beyond those that may make them eligible by state standards. Unfortunately, we cannot go outside of current eligibility directives and make exceptions based on other factors.

I meet the age requirements. Why didn’t I receive a call/MyUnityPoint scheduling link?

This can happen for a few reasons…

• The Wisconsin Immunization Registry audit showed that you received at least your first dose.

• Your contact information is not up to date in our system.

• Your MyUnityPoint account is not active

• You are not a “current” Associated Physicians patient. We consider patients current if they have an Associated Physicians Primary Care Provider (PCP) on file AND have been seen within the past 3 years.

• We are still working through the list and haven’t gotten to your name yet.

I’m older than your current age bracket, but didn’t receive a call/link, can I still schedule?

Yes, ONLY if you are OLDER than our current age bracket and did not receive a call or a link from us, please call the clinic to get scheduled.

I am an Associated Physicians patient in Priority Group 1A, 1B, or 1C. Can I schedule with you?

If you qualify for either Tier 1A or Tier 1B and have not yet notified us that you need a vaccine, please contact the clinic. We are working on calling those in Tier 1c that our physicians have identified as the highest risk. We are asking for continued patience from others in Tier 1c at this time. If you are unsure if you qualify, please reference the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)’ website.

I am a new patient, but haven’t been seen yet, will I be called to schedule?

Unfortunately, no. If you haven’t yet completed your new patient visit, we are unable to schedule you for a vaccination. Once you have completed your first visit, if you meet the eligibility requirements at that time, we would be happy to schedule you.

I’m not an Associated Physicians patient, but I can’t get in anywhere else. Can I get it from you?

Unfortunately, no. Due to extreme supply limitations and clinic liability, vaccines can only go to current Associated Physicians patients.

My family member/friend was scheduled before me. Was I missed?

No. Due to the large volume of individuals who are eligible for the vaccine and the limited supply of vaccines available, it may still be some time before we are able to schedule everyone for a vaccination. Rest assured that if a friend or family member is contacted first, you have not been missed.

Can I go somewhere else to get vaccinated?

You are absolutely welcome to make the decision you feel is best for your health. If you are eligible based on the state’s criteria, but not ours, we would encourage you to get vaccinated elsewhere if you are able. See "Where else can I get the vaccine?" below for more.

I have questions about the vaccine, can I call or MyChart you?

We are asking that you DO NOT contact the clinic to inquire about the COVID-19 vaccine, this page is updated as soon as information becomes available. Our staff does not have any more information than is available on this page.

Wisconsinites can now call (844) 684-1064 (toll-free) for personal assistance with their vaccine-related questions. The new call center will be equipped to help individuals find vaccine locations, answer medical questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine, and assist with registration, including but not limited to using the Wisconsin COVID-19 vaccine registry. This call center is available to anyone in Wisconsin, but will be particularly useful for those without internet access, or who experience barriers that inhibit internet use.

How can we get updates on your vaccination process?

All updates will be given through our Facebook and Instagram, and posted on this dedicated COVID-19 webpage. Additionally, if you are an apmadison.com site member or subscriber, you will receive an email update.

How does the MyUnityPoint Self-Scheduling feature work?

Patients with a MyUnityPoint account will be sent a link to a tool that will allow them to schedule their vaccine appointment online. Like virtual appointments, the link you will receive for scheduling is SPECIFIC TO YOU and cannot be shared! When your first vaccine has been completed, you will schedule your second dose in-clinic.

How can I sign-up for MyUnityPoint?

You can sign-up for MyUnityPoint HERE.

What if I don't have MyUnityPoint, but I'm eligible for the vaccine?

You will be called by our staff to schedule.

Should I get vaccinated?

We are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible to do so.

Why can't you just order more vaccines for the clinic?

Unfortunately, we cannot order the COVID-19 vaccines in the traditional sense. We make a request for vaccines and Public Health allocates a certain amount to us based on state supply. We are continuing to receive hundreds fewer vaccines than we are requesting. While we are limited by the supplies we receive, we continue to stay in contact with our suppliers and advocate for our patients. We sincerely appreciate your continued patience and understanding during this process.

Where else can I get the vaccine?

We are suggesting that patients start by utilizing our Vaccine Finder tool above. Additionally, patients can sign up through the Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Registry, view the Map of COVID-19 Vaccine Providers in Wisconsin, or call 844-684-1064 for vaccine help. UW Faculty and Staff may call University Health Services at 608-265-5600 (Option 1) and ask for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling information. **Please note that if your primary care physician is not with UW Health, UPH-Meriter, or SSM Health, they are asking you not to call seeking the vaccine from their hospitals and clinics. If you do have a UW Health, UPH-Meriter, or SSM Health primary care physician, please click on the link attached to the facility name for their instructions.**

Should I let you know that I received my vaccination elsewhere?

Please do not call or send us a MyUnityPoint message to inform of us of your status, as it may delay our ability to provide timely care for patients with urgent medical needs. Prior to calling each patient, we audit their Wisconsin Immunization Registry to see if they have already received a dose of the vaccine and only call those who have not yet received at least one dose of the vaccine series.

I'm pregnant/nursing. Is the vaccine safe for me?

Please reference this document on decision making if you are pregnant or nursing and plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine.