(Photo by Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
PHOENIX – The flurry of people trying to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination in the Phoenix area overwhelmed the system shortly after the opening of the Phase 1B registration on Monday morning.
Less than 20 minutes after opening the consultation page at 6 am, Maricopa County Public Health said the system was overloaded and asked users to wait 20 minutes before trying again.
The agency said it increased the server’s capacity recently, but the high demand still caused problems.
“The volume always causes problems. If you are unable to speak immediately, try again in a little while, ”said Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. The Mike Broomhead KTAR News 92.3 FM Show on Monday.
Anyone without access to the computer or who prefers not to use the online system can call 844-542-8201 to register. Technical help is available at 602-542-1000.
At 9:50 am, the state health department tweeted that almost 10,000 Arizonans have registered for nominations.
Many people who managed to access the Internet complained that there were no more open commitments. Officials said earlier that appointments would be limited.
Users need to click each day to see if appointments are open.
Spots at the state’s new 24-hour vaccination site at State Farm Stadium in Glendale did not go online until 9 am
The location of the state-run stadium is scheduling appointments until the end of January at this time. He will carry out a smooth launch on Monday afternoon for police and other protection service workers. The first real appointments for eligible groups are for Tuesday.
Information on places and how to register can be found on the website of the state health department.
Authorities plan to add more options for groups eligible for injections, which could include pharmacies and employer-based vaccination events.
Only people in the priority 1B segment became eligible for vaccines in Maricopa County on Monday: education and childcare professionals and support staff, police and protective services staff and adults aged 75 and over.
There is no timetable for when the rest of phase 1B – adults living in crowded environments and workers classified as essential – or subsequent phases will become eligible for vaccination.
People in phase 1A – which includes frontline health workers, emergency medical workers and employees and residents of long-term care facilities – can be vaccinated during phase 1B, but are no longer given priority over other eligible populations .
Former Arizona governor Jan Brewer was among those who had trouble getting an appointment.
“It is a total failure. It’s unbelievable, ”said Brewer Arizona KTAR Morning News.