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“It helps us to have a predictable supply and demand curve and a predictable experience for people who come to the sites, to avoid those really long waits that can result from our attempt to maximize our capacity against the non-presentation rate.” said Dr. Jennifer Tong, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, senior associate physician.
Like many key workers across the valley, Orient Express manager Chi Pham is patiently waiting his turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“They may or may not be sick, so I’m very nervous,” Pham said.
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Pham is worried about the daily interactions he has with customers and was disappointed to learn that last week there were over 4,500 absences at COVID-19 vaccination sites operated by the county. This number represented about 10% of the available appointments.
“I’m very upset about that, because if they sign up, they have to go there to get it,” Pham said.
County officials say they have already adapted to anticipated non-attendance rates, exceeding what they believe is their maximum capacity. Last week, they outperformed by 10%, so no dose was wasted. Although it is difficult to identify the exact reasons behind the non-submissions, the county considers that some people make several meetings or register before being eligible.
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“When they have a meeting that they don’t intend to hold, it feels like a single meeting and it’s probably not that big, but in reality, these individual meetings really come together,” Dr. Tong said.
County officials say those who signed up but are worried about the pursuit should continue to appear to receive questions from staff.
Tong added: “I can decide at that moment if they do not want to continue, but at least coming, we would have the opportunity to address any hesitation they may have.”
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This is happening as the county expands its community engagement team, which visits businesses and neighborhoods in some of the areas most affected by the virus. Vaccine education is a key component.
“Hearing from a trusted person what your options are for testing, vaccinations, how to keep you and your family safe, it will, frankly, be our secret weapon,” said county supervisor Cindy Chavez. “We have to get everyone over the finish line, everyone who needs to be vaccinated, we have to vaccinate them.”
Going further, the county hopes that the public will think about the big picture and do its part, canceling any appointment they do not intend to comply with. Otherwise, it could slow down implementation and prevent the county from moving to another level.
“We hope to receive the vaccine as soon as possible so that I can protect myself and also protect the client,” Pham said.
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