California officials closed a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday when hundreds of ineligible workers at Hollywood production companies stormed the facility in search of jabs, according to a report.
City officials confirmed that in the first hour, 900 of the 1,500 appointments at the Pasadena City College clinic were scheduled by several workers from Hollywood production, media and streaming companies – most of whom were not eligible.
“Hundreds signed up in the first hour,” said city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. “It was like a quick shot.”
An email was sent last week from the Pasadena Department of Public Health to frontline staff and seniors with instructions to sign up for an appointment at the clinic through the statewide vaccination website.
The email also stated that people trying to get the COVID-19 vaccine would be required to provide evidence that they worked in a qualified industry and lived or worked in Pasadena, according to The Los Angeles Times.
“We verified the identity. We will reject you if you don’t meet the current level, if you don’t live or work in the city, ”said Derderian.
“Our health officer will not risk his credentials, health department licensing or the city’s reputation. We are very strict in complying with the guidelines. “
City officials decided to close the clinic indefinitely after spending several days verifying that those who made appointments were eligible – determining that some of them were not.
Residents pointed out that, on the registration website, there was a drop-down menu asking in which sector the person who registered works: “Service – entertainment, performance”.
The authorities also noted that closing the clinic was difficult for many elderly people who were in line for vaccination.
“Some cried when they heard that their appointments had been changed,” said Derderian.
As of Tuesday, no new date has been set for the clinic’s reopening.