In a troubling turn of events, a vaccination clinic in Pasadena has been forced to close its doors after a surge of ineligible individuals attempted to book appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. Initially intended for essential workers and seniors, the clinic was overwhelmed by people who did not meet the eligibility requirements.
As reported by the City Gazette, nearly 900 out of the 1,500 available slots were filled by those who were not supposed to receive the vaccine at this stage. City representative Mark Thompson noted, “Within the first hour, it was like a frenzy.” Many of the appointments were reportedly secured by individuals from the entertainment and media sectors who are not yet eligible for the vaccine.
The Pasadena Public Health Department had sent notifications to eligible groups, including healthcare workers and senior citizens, inviting them to book appointments at the clinic, which was held at a local community college. Unfortunately, the email containing the registration link to California’s vaccine appointment system, CalVax, was circulated beyond its intended audience. A reporter from the City Gazette alerted city officials when they noticed the unexpected influx of registrants.
The issue arose partly because the CalVax system does not restrict registration based on specific ZIP codes, allowing ineligible individuals to fill out appointments. Some of those who signed up mistakenly believed they qualified based on a drop-down menu that included options for the entertainment industry, despite a clear warning about eligibility.
Normally, Pasadena Health officials would reach out to people who provided out-of-area addresses to remind them of the necessary documentation required for their appointments. However, Thompson indicated that contacting 900 individuals was impractical, leading to the decision to close the clinic for the day. “We would have faced a situation where many people would show up without qualifying, potentially causing conflicts,” he explained.
This closure was particularly disheartening for the seniors who had successfully secured appointments, as many were left in tears. While the eagerness for the vaccine is understandable, it’s crucial for everyone to respect the priority system in place.
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In summary, the recent closure of a Pasadena COVID-19 vaccination clinic due to ineligible individuals booking appointments highlights the importance of adhering to eligibility guidelines. While many are eager for the vaccine, it’s vital to respect the priority system established to ensure that those most in need receive it first.
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