(Waukesha, WI)- The week of January 18, 2021, Waukesha County’s network of COVID-19 vaccination sites is expanding as local fire departments host clinics to vaccinate Phase 1A individuals, law enforcement, and fire professionals. Waukesha County’s scalable, community-based strategy will leverage existing healthcare, emergency service providers, educational and business partnerships to vaccinate the population while maintaining existing COVID-19 infrastructure.  

Many of those being vaccinated at these sites will help vaccinate members of the public in future phases. Most individuals will be vaccinated by their normal healthcare provider or pharmacy and are not currently eligible to be vaccinated at these clinics. Information about Waukesha County community vaccination sites will be available in February.   

“Waukesha County’s community partners are stepping up as part of a historic effort to vaccinate our entire population,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “The clinics we are holding now will create a large network of vaccinators so protection against COVID-19 can happen quickly and safely. Vaccinations will be available through resident’s trusted doctor, authorized pharmacies and community clinics.”   

The partnership, led by the Waukesha County Fire Chiefs Joint COVID-19 Vaccination Task Force, supports Waukesha County Public Health’s multi-site vaccination strategy. This strategy increases the number of vaccines that can be administered per day and will alleviate pressure from the healthcare systems exclusively providing vaccinations to this point. Two fire departments are currently holding clinics, with three more opening up next week.  

“Waukesha County Fire Chiefs are committed to working with the County to get the COVID Vaccine out to those that need it most,” said Western Lakes Fire Chief Brad Bowen. “We realize that this is a huge undertaking and are committed to helping relieve pressure in the early vaccination phase. Our goal is to help get through the 1A healthcare workers and 1B essential workers while other clinics are established." 

Waukesha County continues to coordinate with hospitals, pharmacies and other organizations in the vaccination registration process. This network will expand significantly as DHS provides final approval and access to vaccines to additional organizations in the weeks ahead.  Waukesha County is working to connect additional unaffiliated Phase 1A healthcare providers with access to the COVID-19 vaccine and is assisting organizations that are interested in becoming registered vaccinators. Eligible Phase 1A organizations that want to help with the vaccination effort can find more information at www.waukeshacounty.gov/covidvaccine. 

###