For Immediate Release: Friday 12 February
Unfortunately, the County’s Health Department experienced some unexpected problems with our clinics at Richard Montgomery High School and Quince Orchard High School yesterday. First, a number of ineligible people showed up at both sites who had scheduled appointments from an inappropriately forwarded link. Second, as a result of misinformation shared on several local listservs and social media falsely advertising the Richard Montgomery vaccination site as a CVS walk-in clinic, a large number of residents arrived without any appointments. Sadly, in the confusion, some elderly residents with valid appointments gave up waiting as the lines lengthened. We have identified these individuals and are rescheduling their appointments for the earliest possible time.
It is important to know that Montgomery County-run vaccination sites are by appointment only and are currently focused on vaccinating residents who are residents 75 and older, as well as a limited number of professions critical to our response effort. As a result, County staff and volunteers turned away residents who did not meet these criteria.
Please remember that it is extremely important that residents do not share the vaccination appointment links they receive with family, friends, or neighbors. Appointment links are intended ONLY for the recipient and not to share with others. County clinics are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. This process allows us to better ensure that doses are distributed equitably to our residents who remain at the greatest risk of death and severe complications.
I apologize for the inconvenience this situation may have caused. Going forward, we will improve signage at sites, so that residents have a better understanding of their eligibility for vaccination. In addition, we are improving the check-in process to reduce wait times.
I understand that the vaccination process may be confusing and frustrating. Quite frankly, I too am frustrated with the lack of supply and the state’s limited appointment software. But I must ask for your patience during this time. We will do our best to reduce the challenges that the limited supply of the vaccine is causing. In just six weeks, more than 100,000 Montgomery County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and with very few side effects. I am working every day to get as much supply of vaccine as possible for providers across our County so we can drive that number up as quickly as possible.
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