The COVID-19 vaccination rollout process has had its ups and downs, however, it just hit an all time low with a total of 9,000 plus cancelled appointments.   

A scheduling website operating over the course of a week for a clinic in Rohnert Park called OptumServe, was forced to cancel thousands of appointments following a mix-up in the requirements for the vaccine. The company mistakenly listed the eligible immunization age at 65, but intended to list the minimum age as 75 years or older. The Press Democrat states, “County officials said 85% of the vaccine appointments set had to be canceled,” due to the fact that the individuals were ineligible to receive the vaccine at that time. This led to the turn away of many patients and the cancellation of 9,000 plus vaccination appointments. 

If an individual has already received the first dose of the injection in the age range of 65-74, one can expect to have their appointment for the second dose cancelled and rescheduled accordingly. The main focus is to distribute the vaccine to folks that are 75 years and older, because they are more likely to attract the virus. This age group has comprised 60% of the 265 virus related deaths in Sonoma County. “County officials hope to begin vaccinating residents aged 65 to 74 sometime in late Feb.,” The Press Democrat said.  

The County is offering the vaccine at a variety of six different health clinics for the desired age group. Those being the Rohnert Park Community Center, Sonoma Valley High School, etc. Each site will ask for the proper identification and if their information is ineligible, they will be turned away immediately. 

Although officials are slowing down the process of a possible spread of the virus, there is hope going forward as they will vaccinate the individuals more at risk first and work their way down the line. “I just want to say that I’m sorry to the thousands of people who were confused and disappointed with the events of the last few days,” said county Supervisor Chris Coursey. 

The vaccine itself has to stay a certain temperature. Meaning, once taken out of the freezer, it has to be used before a certain amount of time. Sonoma State University Senior and essential worker Autumn Watters was fortunate enough to receive the vaccine after another essential worker missed their appointment, leaving a dose of the vaccine unused. Watters explained that the experience was like, “…hitting the lottery. You are guaranteed the second dose after getting the first one no matter the circumstance and you even schedule it before you leave. I can now breathe easier being around my family.” The senior goes on and says that the location she went to for the vaccine located in Santa Rosa called the Department of Health Services was a very pleasant experience. “Everyone in the building was pumped. Not one person didn’t have a smile on their face,” explained Watters. The clinic uses a different scheduling website called Calvax that is quick and easy to manage. “They have three doctors and issue thousands of vaccines a day. They are more about getting you in and out, but making sure it is done right and efficient,” said Watters.      

For more information regarding receiving the vaccine, visit SocoEmergency.com for possible dates, times, and eligibility.