By writer to kfor.com
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State Division of Well being’s vaccine portal opened up for appointments on Thursday, however confusion erupts as a few of these eligible argue they had been unable to get by way of.
“I used to be proper there able to push the button and I couldn’t even get in. It was virtually like ready for live performance tickets,” mentioned Donna Witty, who’s ready to schedule a vaccine.
However State Division of Well being officers say the variety of vaccines is contributing to the issue.
“There may be one downside this factor doesn’t remedy. It doesn’t get us extra vaccines,” mentioned Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Well being Providers. “Our appointments are restricted by provide and that’s simply gonna be a core tenant shifting ahead. We are able to’t enter appointments into this method if we don’t have provide to help them.”
For many who join however will not be but eligible for vaccines, like lecturers, the state says info will come at a later date by way of e-mail.
“That particular person will get a notification, an e-mail notification that they’re now eligible to go in and search for an appointment,” Reed mentioned.
For now, the one approach to get that appointment is on-line, inflicting frustration for these with out web and individuals who aren’t tech savvy.
“We’re enhancing out 2-1-1 staffing with a gaggle of public well being people that may create a subsection inside 2-1-1 that calls might be diverted to, in order that they will work with people and assist stroll them by way of the portal,” Reed mentioned.
“I feel everyone needs to know the reality,” Witty mentioned.
Donna Witty, who’s over 65 and a kidney transplant recipient, feels the sign-up course of has created false hope for these wanting a vaccine rapidly.
“We simply need to know, ‘Is it not working but?’ Simply inform us. Inform us it gained’t be prepared till subsequent week. We’ve already waited 10 months. We are able to wait one other month,” Witty mentioned.
As of 1:30 p.m. Thursday, over 180,000 Oklahomans have registered by way of the portal and a pair of,761 appointments have been made.
Continued Coronavirus Coverage
— to kfor.com
