The Milwaukee County ZIP Code Vaccination Program Begins Monday

MILWAUKEE – As of Monday morning, March 22, the zip code vaccination program begins in Milwaukee County. Local officials say it is a big step towards equal access to the vaccine.

Registration through the province’s vaccination center at the Kosciuszko Community Center has already started, but it’s not your only option. At 10 a.m. Monday, two sites will open in Milwaukee – at North Division High School and South Division High School – where no appointment is required.

“This is a new chapter,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “We have not done start-up clinics before.”

Milwaukee County residents in ten zip codes are welcome to roll up their sleeves and get the COVID-19 vaccine. The only other requirement is age.

“In the zip codes, all individuals 16 years and older, if they receive the Pfizer, and 18 and above will be eligible for the other vaccinations,” Barrett said.

The postal codes chosen are among the most underserved and are highest on the Social Vulnerability Index of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but officials believe the neighborhoods have the lowest vaccination rates.

“My heart felt joy. It is a great victory for health equality in the state,” said Dr. Jasmine Zapata, a public health physician and pediatrician at UW Health, said.

Zapata is a resident of Milwaukee and grew up in three of the appropriate zip codes.

“From a health worker who is within the walls of the hospital and also comes from Milwaukee, I ask that everyone just consider it,” Zapata said.

She appeals to the public to give their best chance at health.

“The shots are very safe and effective, and it’s an important tool in our toolbox to overcome them,” Zapata said.

Community leaders on Sunday stressed the importance of increasing access and simplifying the process.

“It’s important that we get our underrepresented communities to these sites,” said Milwaukee Alderman JoCasta Zamarripa.

They emphasized the importance of increasing access – and simplifying the process.

“It shows they care,” said Maribel Dorantes, 20.

Dorantes, who lives in one of the key postal codes, said it was a positive step forward.

“We need our health to be safe,” Dorantes said.

The city’s walkway at North Division High School (1011 W. Center Street) and South Division High School (1515 W. Lapham Boulevard) will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments required.

You will not be asked for your social security information or citizenship status.

You do not need health insurance, and the vaccine is free.

Appointments are required through Milwaukee County’s COVID-19 vaccination site – Kosciuszko Community Center. REGISTER HERE.

The priority postal codes are:

• 53204
• 53205
• 53206
• 53209
• 53215
• 53216
• 53218
• 53223
• 53224
• 53233

Also on Monday, individuals 16 years and older with certain medical conditions who are at greater risk for serious infection by COVID-19 may be eligible for vaccination. The list of medical conditions can be found on the website of the Department of Health Services.