For more information about Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam or to set up an interview, contact Dan Baulch at 920-887-4152 or baulch.dan@marshfieldclinic.org.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dodge County, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam, our medical staff and advanced practice clinicians came together to encourage our community to mask up for each other in order to protect our friends, family and neighbors by minimizing the spread of the coronavirus.
Today we’re presenting a unified voice once again to encourage everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines have proven to be safe, effective and are our only proven path to achieving the kind of herd immunity that will allow us to move toward our new normal in a way that keeps our community protected.
As of May 27, only 37.9% of Dodge County’s eligible population has been vaccinated, which is the lowest rate among our neighboring counties. Low rates of vaccination are likely to extend the duration of the pandemic both locally and nationally. After witnessing a high level of enthusiasm for the vaccine in the first couple months of its availability, we’ve recognized a significant reduction in demand. In fact, last month demand no longer outpaced supply in Wisconsin.
Low overall vaccination rates could mean delays in our anticipated return to our favorite activities such as concerts and sporting events, as well as instances of preventable hospitalizations and deaths. Also, the more the virus spreads, the more opportunities it has to further mutate, which could hamper the effectiveness of our current vaccines.
We’re asking anyone who has not yet received the vaccine but is open to doing so to discuss it with someone they trust to ask questions or request evidence-based information. If you’re concerned about safety, side effects or how the vaccine works, reach out today and decide on what’s best for you based on the information available. One valuable resource is the Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) COVID-19 Vaccination frequently asked questions page, which can be found at www.marshfieldclinic.org/CovidVaccineFAQ.
As health care providers, we’re happy to have those conversations and share that information. We believe in science, have reviewed the evidence and are walking the walk. More than 99% of MCHS physicians have received the vaccine, as well as everyone who has signed this letter.
If you’re ready to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, you can schedule an appointment with Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam by calling 1-855-908-5029 and leaving a message or visiting www.bdch.com/covid-vaccine and filling out the survey. To see all available vaccination locations in your area, visit www.vaccines.gov.
Signed,
Dr. Jamie Deering, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam
Dr. Gerard Dynkowski, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam Chief of Staff
Marshfield Medical Center–Beaver Dam
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