Vaccine Frenzy Stokes Frustration as States Race to Scale Up
- Amid expanded eligibility, phone lines and web sites jammed
- Local health officials unprepared for vaccine strategy shift
Americans rushing to get vaccinated against Covid-19 are encountering limited supplies, balky technology and communication failures, highlighting the challenges states face as they try to scale up and deliver shots to millions more people.
In the U.S., 10.8 million doses have been given, according to Bloomberg’s vaccine tracker. Many states are moving into the next phase of the campaign, offering shots to those 65 and older and people with compromised health as infections soar and the federal government pushes for a speedier process. With expanded eligibility announced this week, another 128 million Americans can potentially get shots, and many are dialing their doctors and searching the web to answer the question: Where and when can I get a vaccine?