Photo: WDIO-TV

By Alejandra Palacios from WDIO-TV - February 18, 2021

Signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine just got easier for Minnesota and Wisconsin residents with new online tools.  Minnesota launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector and Wisconsin plans on launching a vaccine online registry on March 1.

Health leaders from both states said they hope this makes things smoother and easier.

When you sign up on Minnesota's COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, it will notify you when you're eligible for the vaccine and connect you with resources to schedule the appointment and find vaccine opportunities near you.

"This connector is really going to be a good way for Minnesotans to stay updated about their eligibility and to find opportunities to get a shot once it's their turn," said Jan Malcolm, the commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Minnesota health leaders said this is a very important next step in the fight against COVID-19. They encourage everyone 18 and older to apply, even if they don't qualify yet.

"It'll help them find out when they're eligible, help connect to a vaccine opportunity near you, no matter where you live, no matter your personal circumstances and this will also be a really important way to improve the ability of focused communities who we know have been disproportionately hit by COVID-19," said Malcolm.

Adults 65 and older who sign up are entered into a random selection process for the community vaccination sites in Duluth, Minneapolis, and Rochester. Those who already registered for the Minnesota Vaccine Pilot Program or COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program don't need to sign up because they are already on the Vaccine Connector list.

You also don't need to sign up on the Vaccine Connector if you completed the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine education and child care survey because you are already on the Vaccine Connector list.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the exciting launch of a vaccine registry on March 1.

"We are making this registry software available to local and tribal health departments to help streamline the vaccination process going forward by providing this central scheduling resource," said Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The website will help people sign up to know where and when they can get vaccinated and if they qualify.

"If you are eligible it will take you to a list of vaccination sites near your home and you'll be able to schedule an appointment. If you're not eligible, it will put you on a waiting list," said Willems Van Dijk.

Appointments can only be made through this system in communities with vaccinators who are using the vaccine registry.

Next week, local Wisconsin health departments are going to pilot the registry software to test it and make sure it's good to go for its launch date.

To access the Minnesota Vaccine Connector click here.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Vaccine Registry, click here.

To see the original report and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/mn-wi-covid19-new-vaccination-process-/6017374/?cat=10335