MMC-BD NEWS

Through a partnership with Dodge County Public Health and Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam, educators with the Beaver Dam Unified School District (BDUSD) began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesday. The two entities successfully worked together early in the pandemic to provide regional drive-thru COVID-19 testing, with Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam hosting and administering testing and county officials providing logistical support and oversight.

“We understand that having teachers and other essential workers vaccinated as quickly as possible is an important step in preserving the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Abby Sauer, Dodge County Public Health Officer. “We knew that as soon as they were eligible and we had adequate vaccine available we would want to move ahead with our teachers. We’re thankful our collaboration with Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam is allowing us to once again address the needs of our community.”

Utilizing COVID-19 vaccination doses allocated directly by the State of Wisconsin, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic started vaccinating BDUSD educators Wednesday. This will not affect MMC-BD’s ongoing community COVID-19 vaccination schedule as standard allocations received via Marshfield Clinic Health System will continue to go to those previously eligible, including people aged 65 and older.

“We have been fortunate to have both the Dodge County Public Health Department and Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam as partners in planning and actualizing this opportunity for our staff, said Mark DiStefano, Beaver Dam Unified School District Superintendent. “The ability of our staff to be vaccinated reflects a step forward for our entire community that words can't fully express.  It is another example of how people in Beaver Dam and Dodge County come together to make this such a great place to live and work."

Other Dodge County educators will be vaccinated by local public health agencies or partnerships with other health agency vaccinators.

“I’m heartened by the way the community continues to pull together to care for each other,” said Angelia Foster, MMC-BD Chief Administrative Officer. “The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for so many and in so many ways, but the partnerships that have been strengthened over the past year will only serve to make us stronger in the years to come. I’m thrilled the Beaver Dam Unified School District teachers are able to experience the hope that comes with the COVID-19 vaccine and that we’re able to play a small part in that.”

Those eligible to receive the vaccine and interested in being placed on the waiting list can visit www.bdch.com/covid-vaccine or call 1-855-908-5029 and leave a message for a return call.