MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A message that some Minnesota residents received on Saturday morning that their COVID-19 vaccination appointment was canceled was sent in error by a supplier, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.
The department said that the “vast majority” of people who received the message, sent by Bio Primary, were sent in error. About 20 Minnesota residents were expected to receive the message; they had registered for a vaccination appointment, despite not being eligible due to an error in the Bio Primary system, according to the department.
“Our supplier, Primary Bio, has taken full responsibility and apologized to the state of Minnesota and all affected Minnesota residents,” said a statement from MDH. “The miners who received the message in error this morning have been notified that their appointments have been confirmed and are expected to attend as previously scheduled.”
Primary Bio released the following statement: “We take full responsibility for the error that occurred earlier today, which resulted in thousands of Minnesota residents receiving incorrect information about their vaccine indication. We corrected this error and communicated directly to the impacted Minnesotans that his appointment was confirmed as scheduled. We apologize to the state of Minnesota and all affected Minnesota residents and are taking immediate steps to ensure that this does not happen in the future. “
The original message read: “MDH COVID-19 Vaccine Pilot Program 65+, you were able to schedule a vaccine appointment even if it was not selected at random. As a result, we regret to inform you that your query is not authorized and is no longer valid. As long as you have pre-registered for the COVID-19 pilot vaccine program, you will remain on the list for potential future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and understanding. IMPORTANT: Do not visit any pilot vaccine sites. Walk-ins are not accepted and you do not have an appointment. “
Joseph Pettini, from Minneapolis, was one of the people who received the error email from Primary Bio on Saturday morning. He received 15 emails with exactly the same message at around 10:45
“Frankly, I was a little frantic, since it’s the follow-up appointment and it should be within a certain time,” said Pettini, “I was like, ‘Well, am I going to have to start from scratch? What this means?'”
As soon as he received the final email saying the problem was resolved, he was very relieved.
“I understand that the state is doing the best it can, with what it has,” said Pettini.
Your second dose will be on February 11th. His wife, who is also qualified, is still on the pre-registered waiting list.
MDH said there was no indication that the message resulted in a no-show on Saturday.