UW Health shifts to self-scheduling attestation model for COVID-19 vaccinations

Madison, Wisconsin – Following a dramatic expansion of vaccine eligibility by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, UW Health is now offering new options for patients to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination.

To handle demand for the vaccine during this expansion, UW Health is moving to a new self-scheduling and attestation model. Patients are encouraged to visit www.uwhealth.org/vaccine and use one of two options:

• Self-scheduling an appointment through MyChart. Patients will be asked to check a box stating they are eligible. The number of appointments available will depend upon the supply of vaccine received from the state.

• Signing up for same-day vaccination opportunities at one of multiple vaccination clinics operated by UW Health.

With more than half the state of Wisconsin now eligible to receive the vaccine, UW Health will no longer reach out to eligible individuals with a scheduling invite and is encouraging them to self-schedule their appointments through uwhealth.org/vaccine.

The supply of vaccine UW Health has received from DHS is just a small fraction of what the health system needs to reach its patients in the community, according to Dr. Jeff Pothof, chief quality officer, UW Health, but as it expands, this new scheduling system will allow us to book appointments faster.

"We are optimistic that the supply of vaccine will eventually increase, and our new scheduling format will allow us to be ready when it comes,” Pothof said.

If appointments are not immediately available at UW Health due to limited supply, UW Health encourages its patients to seek vaccine from any provider they can, including local pharmacies and through the DHS vaccine finder webpage.

For the time being, however, please help us slow the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Staying home as much as possible

• Wearing a mask

• Keeping a safe distance from others

• Washing your hands frequently

• Quarantining if you feel ill