Gundersen COVID-19 vaccine supply 80 percent short

Gundersen Health System is canceling nearly 1,650 first-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments after receiving lower-than-expected supply from the state of Wisconsin.

In an update, Gundersen Health System said it received 20 percent of the vaccine supply requested to vaccinate more than 70,000 Gundersen patients and staff who are currently eligible.

“Gundersen is not alone,” the statement said. “Low vaccine supply is impacting other vaccinators locally, regionally, and nationally. Currently, Gundersen continues to vaccinate more than 4,000 people each week across our system, but demand is exceeding supply.”

The canceled appoints were scheduled between Feb. 11 and Feb. 16 at the La Crosse and Onalaska locations. Individuals who were scheduled for a first dose appointment on those days will be contacted in the coming weeks to reschedule as supply allows. Appointments outside that time frame will remain scheduled, and Gundersen Health System said it will continue to provide second doses to scheduled patients.

Gundersen asked for patience as health professionals receive new supplies each week and work with community partners to distribute the vaccine.

While patients wait for a vaccine, the health system encouraged them to sign up for MyChart. They will receive a message when it is time to schedule a vaccine appointment. Patients who do not have a MyChart account will be called to schedule an appointment. Otherwise, COVID-19 vaccine updates will be shared online at gundersenhealth.org.