Raleigh, NC – Wake County asks for patience as seniors on Tuesday attempt to access a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list.
At 8:30 a.m., a phone line and website launched that allowed residents of Wake County aged 65 and older to put themselves on a waiting list for a coronavirus vaccine. Minutes later, WRAL viewers were already reporting problems.
COVID-19 vaccinations in NC
One caller said the phone number played a message saying the connection was lost and dozens of others were unable to load the web tool.
Wake County spokesperson Stacy Beard said hundreds of thousands of people visited the website within seconds of each other, causing it to crash.
“The sheer volume is enormous,” she said.
The staff said seniors may have to wait but get the chance to sign up for a vaccine. Wake leaders created the waiting list system so that people don’t have to wait in line to get a vaccine. Once people have joined the waiting list, they will be called when a vaccination appointment is available.
“We have done our best to create a system that is easy to use and seamless,” said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria.
If you qualify for a vaccine, you can register for the waiting list by calling 919-250-1515 or online at wakegov.com/vaccine. Staff require patience, as high traffic volumes can cause technical problems.
Callers are asked if they qualify, if they have a GP and their name, phone number and email address. They are then added to the vaccine waiting list in Wake County COVID-19.
“This is not a first-come, first-served system. We prioritize those who need it most. If you are 75 or older, we prioritize you. We also prioritize those who are earlier in the [Phase] 1A qualification, ‘said Calabria.
Phase 1A involved health professionals treating COVID-19 patients and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. North Carolina recently revised its vaccination priority list and deprecated the Phase 1A designation.
When the county is receiving doses, those on the waiting list are notified by phone, email, or text message, and then are given the option to make an appointment, by phone or online.
“We partnered with a private company to help us handle a lot of the call traffic,” said Calabria. “We’re doing our best to handle the capacity through these public-private partnerships to handle the call traffic. [Tuesday] how things are going, but we are optimistic and prepared as well as possible. “
Officials hope to avoid problems reported at vaccination centers in other provinces.
“We want to avoid what we’ve seen in some other places with long lines wrapped around buildings and creating risks, especially for older people,” he said.
Calabria said now is not the time to sign up for Wake County residents who don’t fall into the two categories eligible for the waiting list. Officials said they already expect high call volume and online applications.