New Hampshire’s new vaccination scheduling website COVID-19 faced great demand on Monday when residents aged 50 to 64 tried to schedule their vaccines.
The Vaccination and Immunization Network Interface, or VINI, was launched last week, successfully processing 6,700 applications for individuals in Phase 2A, including teachers and child care staff.
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But Monday was the first real test of the site, as some 200,000 residents newly eligible for Phase 2B started trying to register for vaccines at 8am on Monday.
The first users of the site reported widespread technical problems, delays and error messages on VINI.
“This is so frustrating!” Roxanne Galica of Peterborough told NHPR. “I know that they are working hard to resolve the issue, but I was under the impression that they had maintained the site in preparation for the launch of 2B. So why is it not working as it should? “
The state acknowledged the technical problems, posting a message on vaccines.nh.gov apologizing for the delays.
“An unprecedented amount of web traffic was experienced this morning, a good sign that Granite Staters is ready and eager to receive its vaccine, which has caused delays in some,” said Governor Chris Sununu in a statement. At 5 pm, the state reported that nearly 75,000 residents had successfully scheduled appointments, despite initial technical problems.
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On social media on Monday morning, many Granite Staters expressed frustration or confusion about their efforts to register.
“All I can think about is ‘God bless the IT team’. I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes now, ”tweeted Ellen Kolb, who also faced technical problems when trying to sign up for an appointment.
In the afternoon, more residents were able to successfully complete the process, including Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, who tweeted, “After some problems this morning, my first vaccination appointment is scheduled!”
The state’s COVID-19 hotline was also flooded on Monday, with several residents telling NHPR they were unable to call to schedule an appointment.
“Just one of those things you have to keep doing, indefinitely, like getting tickets to the Rolling Stones, although it’s easier because you just push redial,” said Cheryl Emerson of Milford, who has successfully booked a place after hours. online.
VINI replaced the VAMS scheduling system administered by the federal government, an unstable website that has proved frustrating for residents aged 65 and over. Along with a simplified user interface, VINI has also been designed to allow residents to search for appointments without having to cancel existing appointments.
(Editor’s note: this story was last updated at 5:00 pm)