The number of requests for a scheduled appointment for the Wednesday, March 17 COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Winona Health far exceeded the number of doses available, which means that there will not be a Walk-in Vaccination Clinic at Winona Health on Friday, March 19 as previously planned.
Those who are scheduled to receive their second vaccine at Winona Health will still do so as planned.
“The number of calls and online request forms we’ve received has been overwhelming, and we are grateful that so many community members are interested in getting vaccinated,” said Sara Gabrick, Chief Operating Officer, Surgical/Specialty Services. “We understand people’s desire to get vaccinated and hope that our community knows that we are eager to get more people vaccinated as vaccine becomes available, and we appreciate how understanding people have been as we work hard to meet the demand.”
People who called or completed the online form expressing interest in the Wednesday, March 17 Vaccination Clinic at Winona Health will be contacted for an upcoming Vaccination Clinic.
Because many people are on waiting lists at multiple places, waiting lists get out of date quickly as more people are able to get vaccinated. In addition, the turn-around time between knowing how many vaccine doses will be available and getting people scheduled is so tight, it’s challenging to get through the number of people on the list in that short amount of time.
“When our staff is going through our waiting and appointment request lists and making calls, we’re finding that we need to make nearly 30 calls in order to find one person who hasn’t yet received the vaccine. When we need to fill hundreds of slots that process wasn’t working. In starting fresh with an online registration and phone calls we have a far better list to work on,” noted Gabrick. “We appreciate people’s patience and understanding as we make these contacts as quickly as we can.”
Who is eligible?
Winona and Fillmore county residents and Winona Health patients regardless of county.
The current criteria for receiving the vaccination include:
65+ and;
Phase 1b Tier 2 populations, including:
- Minnesotans with specific underlying health conditions: Sickle cell disease, Down syndrome, those in cancer treatment or immunocompromised from organ transplant, oxygen-dependent chronic lung and heart conditions (COPD & CHF)
- Targeted essential workers: Food processing plant workers
- Minnesotans with rare conditions or disabilities that put them at higher risk of severe illness
Phase 1b Tier 3 populations, including:
- Minnesotans age 45 years and older with one or more underlying medical conditions identified by the CDC
- Minnesotans age 16 years and older with two or more underlying medical conditions*
- Minnesotans age 50 years and older in multi-generational housing
- Essential frontline workers: Agricultural, airport staff, additional child care workers not previously eligible, correctional settings, first responders, food production, food retail, food service, judicial system workers, manufacturing, public health workers, public transit, and U.S. Postal Service workers
When coming to Winona Health for a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, each of which requires a second dose, a vaccination card is provided that confirms which vaccine was given, along with the date and location of the Vaccine clinic. A reminder card is also provided indicating the second dose appointment date and time. First and Second doses are provided in the same location in the Parkview Office Building on the Winona Health campus.
Winona Health encourages community members to get the vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J) wherever they may have access to it first, whether that is at Winona Health, Winona County Public Health or through a local pharmacy providing vaccinations.
For COVID-19 vaccine and testing information, visit Winona Health’s website: www.winonahealth.org. Other COVID-19 resources include: Minnesota Department of Health Winona County, www.co.winona.mn.us, and the City of Winona, www.cityofwinona.com.
