WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Once 60 percent of Waukesha County eligible population is vaccinated against COVID-19, they will transition vaccination operations from Public Health to local healthcare systems’ clinics and pharmacies. That percentage is expected to be met by the end of this week. 

According to a news release, the community vaccination clinic at the expo center will not schedule any new first-dose clinics and will close once all scheduled second vaccine doses are administered. The final clinic is expected to take place on Wednesday, May 19. Once the County reaches its benchmark of vaccinating 60 percent of all eligible residents, it is anticipated that healthcare providers will be able to meet vaccine demand in the County.

“Our healthcare-system partners Advocate Aurora Health, Ascension Wisconsin, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, and ProHealth Care have taken extraordinary measures to make vaccines accessible to all eligible residents,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “The collaboration between these providers is historic and can now meet the vaccination needs of the community. This allows Waukesha County to focus on mitigation and recovery.”

Vaccination in Waukesha County is a coordinated effort involving a network of 135 vaccinators, including local healthcare-system partners and area pharmacies. As of today, 299,900 vaccines have been administered in Waukesha County. More than 30,000 vaccines have been administered at the Expo Center Clinic. 56 percent of eligible Waukesha County residents (individuals 16 years of age and older) have received at least one dose of vaccine, 45.7 percent of Waukesha County’s total population has received at least one dose of vaccine.

“Access to safe and effective vaccines is an Ascension Wisconsin priority and critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and keeping people healthy. The COVID-19 vaccines have the potential to save thousands of lives and we appreciate Waukesha County’s continued collaborative efforts to protect the health of our community,” said Dr. Gregory Brusko, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Wisconsin. “We encourage everyone who is eligible, to get their COVID-19 vaccine to help protect not just themselves, but their loved ones, friends and neighbors so we can get back to the things we miss and love.”

Connecting to Vaccine in Waukesha County

Getting vaccinated is the best way to return to normal, end damage to the economy, and protect Waukesha County families. Waukesha County residents aged 16 and older can learn more about getting vaccinated and finding a vaccine HERE, by contacting their healthcare provider, or by visiting www.vaccinefinder.org.