FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has experienced “violations” in its appointment system for the COVID-19 vaccine, forcing the agency to cancel many appointments, according to authorities.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday morning, health administrator Clint Sperber said the breaches occurred with the county’s Eventbrite nomination system.
The problem arose when people who were not eligible to make an appointment gained access to the Eventbrite program.
Sperber said the health department issued specific instructions to people who received their first dose of the vaccine, and those instructions showed how to register for the booster injection.
“Somehow, people shared that address with other people and ended up overwhelming our commitments to everyone,” said Sperber. “Because of that, we had to cancel all appointments.”
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St. Lucie County leaders update on COVID-19 cases, vaccines
Due to the violations, Sperber said the health department is hosting a drive-thru mass vaccination clinic COVID-19 on February 1, 2 and 3 at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds from 9 am to 3 pm every day.
However, this clinic is only for people who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at Fairgrounds on January 9, 11, 12 and 13.
“If you didn’t get the vaccine that day, don’t show up,” said Sperber. “Don’t worry about coming again, unless you received your first dose of vaccination on one of these days.”
If you received your first dose of Moderna vaccine, come to the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds on February 2 and 3 for your second dose.
For those who received the Pfizer vaccine on 9 or 11 January, come to Fairgrounds on 1 February for the second dose.
For those who received the Pfizer vaccine on January 12, come to Fairgrounds on February 2 for the second dose.
For those who received the Pfizer vaccine on January 13, come to Fairgrounds on February 3 for the second dose.
Bring your CDC vaccination card, government issued ID that shows your address and date of birth and consent form.
Health officials said on Friday that there are no new mass vaccination events scheduled for the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
“They will make this announcement as soon as supplies are deemed sufficient,” said county administrator Howard Tipton. “A lot of patience is still needed as vaccine production increases.”
Tipton said he anticipates an increase in supply soon.
According to the latest Florida Department of Health figures, 21,643 people received the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Lucie County.
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Lucie County, Click here.