Raleigh, NC – Wake County is asking for patience, while seniors try to access a waiting list for COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday.
At 8:30 a.m., a hotline and website were launched that allow residents of Wake County aged 65 and over to join a waiting list for a coronavirus vaccine. A few minutes later, WRAL spectators were already reporting problems.
COVID-19 vaccinations in NC
A caller said the phone number played a message saying the line was disconnected and dozens of other people were unable to load the web tool.
Wake County spokeswoman Stacy Beard said hundreds of thousands of people visited the site in a matter of seconds, causing it to collapse.
“Pure volume is huge,” she said.
Staff said seniors should wait, but will have a chance to sign up for a vaccine. Wake leaders have created the waiting list system so that people do not have to wait in line to get vaccinated. Instead, once people join the waiting list, they will receive a call when a meeting with the vaccine is available.
“We have done everything we can to create a system that is easy to use and hassle-free,” said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria.
If you qualify for a vaccine, you can register for the waiting list by calling 919-250-1515 or online at wakegov.com/vaccine. The staff requires patience, as the high volume of traffic can create technical difficulties.
Callers will be asked about eligibility if they have a primary care physician and for their name, phone number and email address. These will then be added to the COVID-19 vaccine waiting list in Wake County.
“This is not a first come, first served system. We give priority to those who need it most. If you are 75 years of age or older, we give you priority. We also give priority to people who were in [Phase] Qualification 1A “, said Calabria.
Phase 1A included healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients and residents and staff of long-term care institutions. North Carolina has recently redefined its vaccination priorities and eliminated the name Phase 1A.
As the county receives doses, those on the waiting list will be notified by phone, email or text message and will then have the opportunity to schedule a meeting, either by phone or online.
“We have worked with a private company to help us absorb a lot of call traffic,” Calabria said. “We are doing everything we can to manage capacity through these private-public partnerships to manage call traffic. We will see [Tuesday] how things are going, but we are as optimistic and prepared as we can be. “
Officials hope to avoid problems reported at vaccination sites in other counties.
“We want to avoid what we have seen elsewhere, with long lines wrapped around buildings and risks created, especially for the elderly,” he said.
Calabria said now is not the time to register for Wake County residents who do not fall into the two categories eligible for the waiting list. Officials said they were already anticipating a large volume of online calls and applications.