APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Many people who want COVID-19 shots can’t get them yet, because they are not yet eligible.
Appleton Public Health Officer Kurt Eggebrecht says the Fox Cities COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic has turned away people who try to jump the line of eligibility.
“We don’t have medical records. They have to attest at the time they make the appointment that they do in fact fit those classifications,” said Eggebrecht. “We are really working on the honor system.”
Statewide, the Department of Health Services has said it is not asking people to verify medical conditions.
“How is Winnebago County making sure that the people who are getting the vaccine are indeed eligible for the vaccine?” asked FOX 11.
“We are asking people to attest to why they believe they have qualified for the vaccine,” said Kimberly Goffard, who is the Winnebago County Public Health Supervisor for Communicable Disease Division. She says a majority of people are honest so far.
“I am sure there has been some people who have stretched their eligibility potentially and we have vaccinated them, but I would say the vast majority are really doing a good job of patiently waiting their turn,” said Goffard.
Goffard says there are consequences for COVID-19 vaccine clinics if they do let people skip ahead of eligible groups.
“It’s pretty significant if you are routinely and purposely vaccinating outside the phase and DHS hears about it you will get a telephone call and they made it very clear that your future ability to get a vaccine depends on you vaccinating within phase,” said Goffard, “That’s probably the biggest penalty you get is no longer being able to vaccinate people.”
Which would shut down a huge clinic. She says they don’t want people to jump through hoops for a vaccine, but to be patient for your turn.
“We remind people that everyone deserves the vaccine, but there just isn’t enough vaccine to go around right now,” said Goffard.
Goffard says every clinic or hospital has different vaccination policies.
She suggests asking the provider if you need to bring a work paystub or medical records before going to your appointment.
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