WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Health officials in Marathon County took a moment to breathe a sigh of relief on Tuesday just before the first patients started receiving doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Northcentral Technical College.
It’s a day that’s been more than a year in the making since the first stay-at-home orders were issued in March of 2020. “Everyone has had a different experience in the last year to year and a half, and all of us have a story to tell,” said Judy Burrows of the Marathon County Health Department. “But, I feel a great joy and satisfaction in knowing we have this service to offer so people can get vaccinated and we can begin to get back to the things that we used to do, the things that we love to do.”
The clinic was set up as part of a partnership between the state of Wisconsin, Marathon County, NTC, and the City of Wausau. Hours of operation will be from 11 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Appointments can be made at www.vaccinate.wi.gov and will involve a short questionnaire. You’ll then receive an email notification when a vaccine is available for you.
Those without internet access can get help signing up by calling 1-844-684-1064.
Burrows also notes that interpreters will be on hand during all operational hours to help those who have difficulty understanding English.
The vaccines are free for anyone with no insurance requirements. Paul Hammer of the Governor’s COVID Vaccine Task Force noted that all shots being administered in the state are free of charge, and anyone who asks for payment in exchange for a vaccine is likely running a scam.
Burrows adds that the community clinic simply offers another option for those who need access to the vaccine. Shots are still being offered at local healthcare providers such as Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic, and residents can choose to get vaccinated at some local pharmacies if they are comfortable doing that.
During Tuesday’s event other leaders including Marathon County Administrator Lance Leonhard, Yee Leng Xiong of the Marathon County Board of Supervisors and Hmong American Center, and Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg also spoke about the collaborative effort to get the clinic off the ground. Rosenberg summed up her excitement for the effort by saying “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for shots.”
Community leaders and the media toured the clinic, set up in the campus’ Center for Business and Industry, early Tuesday morning before the shots started flowing. Burrows adds that the clinic will remain open as long as needed. No sunset date has been scheduled.
COVID 19 vaccine clinic at NTC in Wausau. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
COVID 19 vaccination clinic at NTC in Wausau. MWC photo by Mike Leischner
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