What a farce for vaccinations

[TimeForChange]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:

[will1546]

Tried the same sites, also to no avail. So far the system is a bust.

[Trishakaye]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:

I’m surprised the VA hasn’t been mandated to vaccine veterans over 70.

[JohnN]

It's a big old fat mess. Who's surprised? A 3rd grade class could have come up with a better roll-out plan.
"We're from the government and we're here to help".

[Bjeanj]

I tried signing up last week and had the same result. So, my husband and I tried this week on two computers, one for Monday, and one for Wednesday. I was again unsuccessful for Monday but my husband was able to secure two tickets for Wednesday.

You know what would make this app better? Is if they offered a “waiting list”. That way, the next time vaccines were offered, their system would automatically pull up the next xxx number of people on the waiting list and notify them.

I think they’re trying to use software that was not designed for this purpose. It’s certainly better than waiting overnight in a long line of cars, but not perfect, either.

[New Englander]

I'm going to wait till I can get the vaccine either at The Villages Health or Walgreens. I want to be certain that I will be able to get the second shot when I'm suppose to get it.

[Bill14564]

The "famous entertainer" analogy is useful. Not everyone who would like to see a famous entertainer is able to get tickets if the venue is too small for the number of people trying.

In the case of the vaccine, the venue in Sumter County this week has 300 seats but there are tens of thousands of people who would like to attend. Clearly, not everyone is going to fit.

You are 75. I'll bet there are some who are over 90 who were also unable to get a seat at the venue this week.

Nearly everyone wants the vaccine and wants it now but there aren't enough doses for that to happen. We are all just going to have to be patient and keep trying for one of the seats.

If it makes you feel any better, consider that there are a lot of Floridians who are under 65 and aren't even being offered tickets at this time. As frustrated as you are that you can't get your ticket, I know that I can't even try until you and all the tens of thousands aged 65 and over get theirs. Hopefully, you will have your shot this month; I don't expect mine until June or later.

[retiredguy123]

I tried signing up last week and had the same result. So, my husband and I tried this week on two computers, one for Monday, and one for Wednesday. I was again unsuccessful for Monday but my husband was able to secure two tickets for Wednesday.

You know what would make this app better? Is if they offered a “waiting list”. That way, the next time vaccines were offered, their system would automatically pull up the next xxx number of people on the waiting list and notify them.

I think they’re trying to use software that was not designed for this purpose. It’s certainly better than waiting overnight in a long line of cars, but not perfect, either.
I don't think an online waiting list would work. You would have thousands of people on the list for a few hundred shots. Many of them would get the vaccine somewhere else and would not remove their name from the list. So, they would spend a lot of time trying to notify people who don't even want the vaccine. The only answer is to provide more of the vaccine.

[rhood]

Tried the same sites, also to no avail. So far the system is a bust.

It’s just a bust if you didn’t get in. There are 340 folks who would disagree with you.

[Bjeanj]

I don't think an online waiting list would work. You would have thousands of people on the list for a few hundred shots. Many of them would get the vaccine somewhere else and would not remove their name from the list. So, they would spend a lot of time trying to notify people who don't even want the vaccine. The only answer is to provide more of the vaccine.

Good point.

[billethkid]

300 doses for two days each?
Really? For a population of 150,000 (plus snow birds....200,000++).
TV happy paper had the nerve to run a headline about "...ramping up vaccinations...".

I refuse to spend the time and agrivation to land a spot on almost useless web sites.

First come first served in TV...:1rotfl:

We will wait until there is an adequate supply and avoid the usual villagers panic mode paranoia.

[TimeForChange]

The VA puts you on a list if you are 75 or older and it's suppose to be two to six weeks before you get a call for an appointment. I will believe that when it happens. I have been dealing with them too long.

[TimeForChange]

The "famous entertainer" analogy is useful. Not everyone who would like to see a famous entertainer is able to get tickets if the venue is too small for the number of people trying.

In the case of the vaccine, the venue in Sumter County this week has 300 seats but there are tens of thousands of people who would like to attend. Clearly, not everyone is going to fit.

You are 75. I'll bet there are some who are over 90 who were also unable to get a seat at the venue this week.

Nearly everyone wants the vaccine and wants it now but there aren't enough doses for that to happen. We are all just going to have to be patient and keep trying for one of the seats.

If it makes you feel any better, consider that there are a lot of Floridians who are under 65 and aren't even being offered tickets at this time. As frustrated as you are that you can't get your ticket, I know that I can't even try until you and all the tens of thousands aged 65 and over get theirs. Hopefully, you will have your shot this month; I don't expect mine until June or later.

Just so you know I really don't care about myself. It is my cancer surviving wife who is diabetic and no fault of her on and she is not over weight. She is having more surgery the last week of the Month. Sorry but I care more about her after 52 years than anyone else in FL.

[TimeForChange]

It’s just a bust if you didn’t get in. There are 340 folks who would disagree with you.

I hope you feel better by posting that. Just being over 70 is not enough. Those who are cancer patients having more surgery and diabetic (no fault of hers) should have a priority. There is always a smart person who responds with a curt answer. Congrats!

[kansasr]

Good point.

Agreed. Apparently Marion County had a waiting list and they had to stop doing that after they had more then 30,000 people signed up for the waiting list.

[Aloha1]

The Health Departments have proven to be incompetent in getting the vaccine out. Phone systems that crash, Mass chaos at first come first served drive up sites, websites that overload, etc.

Publix on the other hand already had an online system for vaccine appointments and deployed it with great success. I say pull all the vaccines out of the HD's except what is needed for patients in extended care facilities, and those who cannot go out and ship it to Publix. The have their act together.

[Lottoguy]

Don't go the "I'm a veteran" route when you complain about this. So am I and so are hundred of others in The Villages. I saw this fiasco coming a mile away. We had a plan for the vaccine but not for the vaccination. I have many good ideas to get this vaccination rolling at a bigger scale. But, too much politics are involved and too many people have connections to get a shot.

[Lottoguy]

The VA is currently at age group over 75 according to my recent email.

[retiredguy123]

The Health Departments have proven to be incompetent in getting the vaccine out. Phone systems that crash, Mass chaos at first come first served drive up sites, websites that overload, etc.

Publix on the other hand already had an online system for vaccine appointments and deployed it with great success. I say pull all the vaccines out of the HD's except what is needed for patients in extended care facilities, and those who cannot go out and ship it to Publix. The have their act together.
What's the difference? Both Publix and the Health Department have a website to schedule an appointment, but you can't get an appointment on either one. The Publix website just tells you to check back every day for updates.

[TimeForChange]

Don't go the "I'm a veteran" route when you complain about this. So am I and so are hundred of others in The Villages. I saw this fiasco coming a mile away. We had a plan for the vaccine but not for the vaccination. I have many good ideas to get this vaccination rolling at a bigger scale. But, too much politics are involved and too many people have connections to get a shot.


Why not read the entire thread without making negative comments? I am a 100% disabled veteran. Proud that I served my Country. I have dealt with the VA for over 20 years. I know how they operate and it is like turning a big ship. I know how many veterans are here and I don't need you telling me. I am not concerned about myself but about my wife. Read the thread again before commenting.

[TimeForChange]

The VA is currently at age group over 75 according to my recent email.

According to the Clinic here unless you call and get on the list you will NOT be called. It is two to six weeks following.

[shut the front door]

I hope you feel better by posting that. Just being over 70 is not enough. Those who are cancer patients having more surgery and diabetic (no fault of hers) should have a priority. There is always a smart person who responds with a curt answer. Congrats!

You do realize that your situation is not unique? There are way more than 340 cancer patients over the age of 70 in Sumter county. And sadly, there are people over the age of 70 who have far more risks.
The vaccines that are available are getting out. It's not the counties fault that they only have so many doses, and quite frankly, the online signup is far easier than hitting redial every 3 seconds. Eventbrite is designed to serve many thousands who want concert tickets when there are only 1000 available.

[dadspet]

Tried this morning at 8 and thought I was lucky Eventbrite told me they were looking for a ticket ??? >> Hopeful but 14 minutes later it came back and said sorry for making you wait but all tickets were sold - They must send the request to someone sitting in their garage by smoke signal (after they start the fire) who then has to review all of the 200 tickets sold (after they first drink their coffee ) to ensure there was still 1 or 2 left of the 200 and then finish their 2nd cup of coffee and start another fire to send a smoke signal back to Eventbrite who then sends me a message that all tickets are sold >> impressive. I think they should have asked Alexa, she would have known immediately.

That's not all > now they sent me an email indicating Sumter county issued new tickets/reservations in Feb but when I go to the site they point me to which (hasn't actually started yet ) it tells me all tickets were Sold out for that date.

I guess the good news is that I'm not waiting in a long line outside in the cold for shots I won't get, I'm sitting at home in a long line with 10,000 others (that's a guess) in front of a computer trying to figure out how to use Eventbrite to get covid shot tickets, getting frustrated (because we have a big cruise in April and won't leave if we don't have the 2 shots by then).:pray:
Oh well, its too cold for golf, Pickleball or dancing in the Square.

Think positive they might add 100 more tickets next month.

[retiredguy123]

Tried this morning at 8 and thought I was lucky Eventbrite told me they were looking for a ticket ??? >> Hopeful but 14 minutes later it came back and said sorry for making you wait but all tickets were sold - They must send the request to someone sitting in their garage by smoke signal (after they start the fire) who then has to review all of the 200 tickets sold (after they first drink their coffee ) to ensure there was still 1 or 2 left of the 200 and then finish their 2nd cup of coffee and start another fire to send a smoke signal back to Eventbrite who then sends me a message that all tickets are sold >> impressive. I think they should have asked Alexa, she would have known immediately.

That's not all > now they sent me an email indicating Sumter county issued new tickets/reservations in Feb but when I go to the site they point me to which (hasn't actually started yet ) it tells me all tickets were Sold out for that date.

I guess the good news is that I'm not waiting in a long line outside in the cold for shots I won't get, I'm sitting at home in a long line with 10,000 others (that's a guess) in front of a computer trying to figure out how to use Eventbrite to get covid shot tickets, getting frustrated (because we have a big cruise in April and won't leave if we don't have the 2 shots by then).:pray:
Oh well, its too cold for golf, Pickleball or dancing in the Square.

Think positive they might add 100 more tickets next month.
Are you sure it said "sorry". They didn't say sorry to me.

[Sparty6971]

We stayed in the queue this morning for 15 minutes and never got so much as a by-your-leave from the web site other than "Don't bother refreshing your browser" lol Yeah, well finally opened a new tab on the browser and saw that all shots were taken - try another day. Total of 340 shots for the 2020 estimated 136,000 and change population in Sumter County - that is about 0.249 percent. Big whoop-de-do about vaccine availability. It will be a couple months or more before we see any progress.

[Gajam]

VA @ Mulberry sent out notice, shots to commence "soon".

[retiredguy123]

We stayed in the queue this morning for 15 minutes and never got so much as a by-your-leave from the web site other than "Don't bother refreshing your browser" lol Yeah, well finally opened a new tab on the browser and saw that all shots were taken - try another day. Total of 340 shots for the 2020 estimated 136,000 and change population in Sumter County - that is about 0.249 percent. Big whoop-de-do about vaccine availability. It will be a couple months or more before we see any progress.
The website is not limited to Sumter County residents. Anyone in Florida can try to make an appointment.

[ohiosbestus]

I tried to sign up also but it was already sold out. Same old story......Maybe it will change once they release all the vaccines as has been suggested. I think they should have done by social security number (first 3 numbers, then who is 65 and eligible for social security. The health department is completely overwhelmed. I wander why Sumter County is making you sign a release form or a doctors permission if you are taking blood thinners? Sure would be interesting to find out why.

[graciegirl]

Just so you know I really don't care about myself. It is my cancer surviving wife who is diabetic and no fault of her on and she is not over weight. She is having more surgery the last week of the Month. Sorry but I care more about her after 52 years than anyone else in FL.

So many of us fit into the criteria, even with the added "cancer survivor" but let's not lose track of the fact that the world has not ever had a Pandemic in our living memory...and the world has not ever had a vaccine (Thank God) for the almost complete cure of this disease. Also...do not forget that Florida is one of four states who have given by far the most inoculations. I am hoping that every Publix will soon be able to administer them.

[justjim]

First, I’m sure most of us on this site knows someone that could use the vaccine for reasons worse than ours. Second, I’m sure there are health care workers and those in assisting living centers who want and could use a vaccine shot who have yet to received one. My point is we need to have a little patience and let the health care system work out the bugs and the smart people working there do their jobs. We are early in the “roll out” of the vaccine and I believe in the near future the system will get better. We can do better and l’m confident we will.

[TimeForChange]

I'm not waiting to get the vaccination any longer than I have to wait and I'm not ever giving up because another person wants it more than me for my wife. You go ahead and wait. I'm not.

[thelegges]

I’m surprised the VA hasn’t been mandated to vaccine veterans over 70.

Orlando VA vaccinated vets 75 and older last week.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:

There are THOUSANDS of people in the Villages who are either 71 and a 20+ year cancer survivor, or 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran, or some combination thereof. There were only 300 vaccines available.

So do the math. Why do you feel you, of thousands others in your situation, should have been the ones to get the vaccine? Which of those thousands of others in your situation should have been told no instead of you?

MOST people have not been vaccinated yet. MOST people who were veterans of more than one war, whose immunity systems are compromised currently (not just 20 years ago), who have heart conditions, lung conditions, or other disabilities that put them at risk, were not able to get vaccinated.

You are no more deserving than any of them. You didn't hit the button at the right moment. You'll get your chance eventually, just like everyone else who missed their chance this time around.

[JGVillages]

Agreed. Apparently Marion County had a waiting list and they had to stop doing that after they had more then 30,000 people signed up for the waiting list.

I believe they cut off sign-ups at 50,000. My wife and I signed up over a week ago but have no idea where we are in the que. We had to sig-up individually, but the smarter thing to do would be to allow husband and wife (if both over 65) to sign up together so separate trips at possibly separate sites would not be necessary. They are supposed to call and we are to keep our phones at our sides all the time for what could be weeks or months. No actual info when signing up what happens if we miss the call, though the rumor is if missed we go to the bottom of the list. They knew this vaccine was coming 6 months ago but typical government non efficiency has surfaced as it usually does. Waiting for Publix to get the vaccine so I can go to the Deli, take a number and get a pound of Boar’s Head ham and a shot!

[coffeebean]

There are THOUSANDS of people in the Villages who are either 71 and a 20+ year cancer survivor, or 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran, or some combination thereof. There were only 300 vaccines available.

So do the math. Why do you feel you, of thousands others in your situation, should have been the ones to get the vaccine? Which of those thousands of others in your situation should have been told no instead of you?

MOST people have not been vaccinated yet. MOST people who were veterans of more than one war, whose immunity systems are compromised currently (not just 20 years ago), who have heart conditions, lung conditions, or other disabilities that put them at risk, were not able to get vaccinated.

You are no more deserving than any of them. You didn't hit the button at the right moment. You'll get your chance eventually, just like everyone else who missed their chance this time around.

You make a valid point, OOB. But....there must be some people who are over 65 and have no co-morbidities that put them at risk of a bad outcome if they contract Covid who did hit the button and "got in" to get a ticket. I can see why it doesn't seem fair to thousands of people, especially compromised veterans who served our country, to wind up behind folks who are healthy but just the right age to qualify.

[Topspinmo]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:

Did you try local VA clinic. I seen two lines last week getting shots. I doubt they was flu shots?

[Garywt]

If you think about it 300 with 120000 trying to get it, the odds are not good. Plus many in the medical field has not received it yet. For me, my doctor said I am not to be vaccinated as my immune system is too compromised so I will wait for his ok.

[Topspinmo]

Actually I’m waiting to be able to buy the shot, there won’t be no long lines there.

[CFrance]

Tried the same sites, also to no avail. So far the system is a bust.
they had 140 doses each available for two days. We got on at 8 on the dot per our gps. Husband was kicked off immediately. I waited 15 minutes while they were "looking for tickets," only to be told none available.


There has to be some unknown-to-us-peons reason why these doses are being held up.


Also, I signed up to Eventbrite and applied to be notified for vaccination signups. Yet I did not receive any information regarding this sighnup. My neighbor read it in the paper.


So we continue to do, or not to do, the things that have kept us safe so far. But it's very frustrating.

[billethkid]

I believe they cut off sign-ups at 50,000. My wife and I signed up over a week ago but have no idea where we are in the que. We had to sig-up individually, but the smarter thing to do would be to allow husband and wife (if both over 65) to sign up together so separate trips at possibly separate sites would not be necessary. They are supposed to call and we are to keep our phones at our sides all the time for what could be weeks or months. No actual info when signing up what happens if we miss the call, though the rumor is if missed we go to the bottom of the list. They knew this vaccine was coming 6 months ago but typical government non efficiency has surfaced as it usually does. Waiting for Publix to get the vaccine so I can go to the Deli, take a number and get a pound of Boar’s Head ham and a shot!

I second the motion!!!

[graciegirl]

If you think about it 300 with 120000 trying to get it, the odds are not good. Plus many in the medical field has not received it yet. For me, my doctor said I am not to be vaccinated as my immune system is too compromised so I will wait for his ok.

He said that? Even when I was on heavy doses of Chemo for cancer some years ago, my oncology doctor was seeing that I was up on seasonal flu shots and other vaccinations. This is when he cautioned me to stay away from large gatherings to avoid colds etc.

[paulat585]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:
Same problem here.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You make a valid point, OOB. But....there must be some people who are over 65 and have no co-morbidities that put them at risk of a bad outcome if they contract Covid who did hit the button and "got in" to get a ticket. I can see why it doesn't seem fair to thousands of people, especially compromised veterans who served our country, to wind up behind folks who are healthy but just the right age to qualify.

...and that is exactly why I have made the decision to wait, even after I become eligible for the vaccine. There are people who need it more than I do. Unlike some people, I don't feel "entitled" to something just because I'm disabled, or just because I'm retired, or just because I'm white, or just because I'm Jewish, or just because I live in the Villages. I don't feel like I should of course go first because I "deserve" to go first. That's horsepucky and hossenfeffers, pure and unadulterated.

The only people who SHOULD get it before everyone else, are the people who are at the highest risk of spreading the illness to everyone else. And that would be the medical professionals, emergency room and hospital staff, anyone working directly with the public (yes, that means cashiers in supermarkets), bus drivers, waiters in restaurants, etc.

EVERYONE else should be behind that group.

Thank y'all for your service, and now get in line with everyone else.

[Aloha1]

What's the difference? Both Publix and the Health Department have a website to schedule an appointment, but you can't get an appointment on either one. The Publix website just tells you to check back every day for updates.

The Publix site handled 19,000 reservations in two hours without a hitch. No phone systems or websites crashing. What you see now is because they are waiting for their next shipment. That's why the site tells you to check back daily.

[jimjamuser]

There are THOUSANDS of people in the Villages who are either 71 and a 20+ year cancer survivor, or 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran, or some combination thereof. There were only 300 vaccines available.

So do the math. Why do you feel you, of thousands others in your situation, should have been the ones to get the vaccine? Which of those thousands of others in your situation should have been told no instead of you?

MOST people have not been vaccinated yet. MOST people who were veterans of more than one war, whose immunity systems are compromised currently (not just 20 years ago), who have heart conditions, lung conditions, or other disabilities that put them at risk, were not able to get vaccinated.

You are no more deserving than any of them. You didn't hit the button at the right moment. You'll get your chance eventually, just like everyone else who missed their chance this time around.
A lottery or other chance system would be better than this "no system".

[wisbad1]

Sumter County Health had a sign up this morning for 300 shots to be given this week. Wife and were kicked out of the sign up link within 15 minutes with two computers. Wife is 71, a 20 plus year cancer patient and diabetic and has another surgery scheduled later this month. I am 75 and a disabled Vietnam veteran. Friends I have spoken to in other States even younger than me are getting vaccinations this week. The site called "eventbrite" that the County uses says the "shots are free" and "just wait we are trying to find you a ticket". I felt like I was trying to get tickets to see a famous entertainer rather than a shot for the virus! I sat in front of my computer thinking, "I went through a war where I was in harms way everyday and here I am trying to get a shot for a virus brought to the US by Chinese who were supplying the enemy we fought in Vietnam." :boxing2:
Went to Clermont,took 5 hours from start to finish. Had to be there by 6:45, went smoothly.

[Aloha1]

A lottery or other chance system would be better than this "no system".

You gotta be kidding me. The right "system" is by on line appointment.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You gotta be kidding me. The right "system" is by on line appointment.

So, people who don't have computers aren't allowed to get vaccinated.
People who aren't fast enough at typing things in will just have to go to the end of the line and keep trying until all the fast people get theirs first.
Are these forms "blind-friendly," so the blind can fill them out? Or do you require that all blind people have someone do it for them? Because many blind people live independently and would have to actually pay someone to do that for them, if the site and the forms aren't 100% accessible.

Even if it was phone-in appointments, there'd need to be a TTDY line for the deaf.

Unless of course you feel that people who have hearing or sight loss aren't important enough to get vaccinated?

Or did you just not think your answer through very well? I'm guessing that's all it was.

[terrild53]

Same thing happened to us, got bumped off the site within a minute, both this week and last week. 300 doses? In a place with 130,000 residents? The metropolitan areas are providing clinics every day. At this rate, we might get vaccine by 2025.....it is very poorly managed.....

[graciegirl]

So, people who don't have computers aren't allowed to get vaccinated.
People who aren't fast enough at typing things in will just have to go to the end of the line and keep trying until all the fast people get theirs first.
Are these forms "blind-friendly," so the blind can fill them out? Or do you require that all blind people have someone do it for them? Because many blind people live independently and would have to actually pay someone to do that for them, if the site and the forms aren't 100% accessible.

Even if it was phone-in appointments, there'd need to be a TTDY line for the deaf.

Unless of course you feel that people who have hearing or sight loss aren't important enough to get vaccinated?

Or did you just not think your answer through very well? I'm guessing that's all it was.


I am thinking this needs to be rethought as well. I see no mean spirited attempt to exclude anyone. We live in 2021. Most people who are not computer literate have friends that are. Ages ago people who did not have telephones were in a bind. By the way those of us who are hearing impaired have closed captioning on our phones at no cost to us.

[charmed59]

So, people who don't have computers aren't allowed to get vaccinated.
People who aren't fast enough at typing things in will just have to go to the end of the line and keep trying until all the fast people get theirs first.
Are these forms "blind-friendly," so the blind can fill them out? Or do you require that all blind people have someone do it for them? Because many blind people live independently and would have to actually pay someone to do that for them, if the site and the forms aren't 100% accessible.

Even if it was phone-in appointments, there'd need to be a TTDY line for the deaf.

Unless of course you feel that people who have hearing or sight loss aren't important enough to get vaccinated?

Or did you just not think your answer through very well? I'm guessing that's all it was.

Technology for the blind to use computers (voice recognition, apps that read out loud text) have been available for decades. There are blind programmers. I would not assume that because some one is blind the online system is not available to them.

Obviously, being deaf is no barrier to online sign ups.

There are older people who are not tech savvy and may not even have a computer. However, the other advantage of online signups is they can be done from anywhere, by anyone. The online paper had a story the other day of the family of a 93 year old getting her the vaccine appointment from many states away. Seriously, if you can’t get the appointments yourself, enlist far flung friends and family to help.

As long as there are less vaccines than eligible people wanting them they will not be easy to get, regardless of the method.

[brianherlihy]

You are not alone. I sat and waited for "few minutes" few seconds" then.... sold out. Waste of time. I signed up last week with Marion who now say there are 50,000 waiting.
Anyone see the DeSantis update in TV?
I tried to find out but the video was "unavailable"

Not bad enough to be stressed at home and a dull life with Covid, now we have to beg for a vacine....or drive for hours to get in line and then they are "out"

I am going to need more BP drugs......

[EviesGP]

Folks...I think some perspective is needed here.
The vaccine is being distributed to the states, and then to the cities and counties, to be administered. And, doing the math, for the amount of current doses vs current US population, that's about 6%.

These companies, entities, locations, cities/counties, do NOT have the technology(websites/databases) to handle sign-ups for this amount of people. They use Eventbrite because they were never setup to handle such a mass activity/event, nor are their phone systems! And they won't any time soon, as it's too expensive and cost preventative, and once this pandemic is over, won't be needed. I know this, as a former IT/telephony manager.

The 300 doses, I'm assuming, was probably just an interim distribution, and they probably used it as a test case, to test their method and efficiency?

If there were one clear answer to all this, we would have heard it by now? Everyone's arguing over who should be first, whether it's the elderly or the first line workers. When it's distributed to CVS or Publix, they don't have any database on either?!

Hence, the reason we're hearing that only about 40% of doses have been administered, both at the Federal and State level(s).

Please be patient, as we get thru this. And I wish the best of health to all! I'm still young, healthy, and can wait for all of you!

[graciegirl]

You are not alone. I sat and waited for "few minutes" few seconds" then.... sold out. Waste of time. I signed up last week with Marion who now say there are 50,000 waiting.
Anyone see the DeSantis update in TV?
I tried to find out but the video was "unavailable"

Not bad enough to be stressed at home and a dull life with Covid, now we have to beg for a vacine....or drive for hours to get in line and then they are "out"

I am going to need more BP drugs......

Yesterday they registered 4000 people to get the vaccine at this site in The Villages. They have 90,000 more doses on order.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/138481920_4012401588779558_4221747533994094440_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=b9115d&_nc_ohc=b_WudSxufsIAX8iFapV&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=4cf3a732f1d0b899992e7c598cc9b5e5&oe=6023A82B

[TimeForChange]

You make a valid point, OOB. But....there must be some people who are over 65 and have no co-morbidities that put them at risk of a bad outcome if they contract Covid who did hit the button and "got in" to get a ticket. I can see why it doesn't seem fair to thousands of people, especially compromised veterans who served our country, to wind up behind folks who are healthy but just the right age to qualify.

Shots are being given in TV as I am typing this. The governor was here this morning and there are five lanes giving the vaccine. There are so many doubters on here and smart people you figure out where and when. Wife and I had our vaccinations at about 11AM with no signup.:)

[Garywt]

He said that? Even when I was on heavy doses of Chemo for cancer some years ago, my oncology doctor was seeing that I was up on seasonal flu shots and other vaccinations. This is when he cautioned me to stay away from large gatherings to avoid colds etc.

Yes, I think he is waiting to see how things go with those getting it now. Down the road I am sure he will have me get it. Unfortunately for me I am on chemo the rest of my life as there is no cure for my cancer.

[Jayhawk]

Shots are being given in TV as I am typing this. The governor was here this morning and there are five lanes giving the vaccine. There are so many doubters on here and smart people you figure out where and when. Wife and I had our vaccinations at about 11AM with no signup.:)
///////////////

[Fredman]

Went down to clermont today got in line in my car and 2 1/2 hours later got my shot. Very well organized

[Rosie53]

My husband and I have appointments tomorrow. Go to Safe Restart (https://sumterfl.saferestart.net/)

[kansasr]

I am thinking this needs to be rethought as well. I see no mean spirited attempt to exclude anyone. We live in 2021. Most people who are not computer literate have friends that are. Ages ago people who did not have telephones were in a bind. By the way those of us who are hearing impaired have closed captioning on our phones at no cost to us.

I feel bad for the villagers who are not computer savvy, don't read the Daily Sun (be thankful since they gave out the wrong web address the first time), don't have a computer guru they can call on or have no idea this is going on because they don't follow social media.

The district website still has old information about the previous Eventbrite debacle, nothing about the "new" system.

The federal government has failed us, Tallahassee has failed us and our local government doesn't seem to be providing any leadership to help our community through this.

Where are the setups at the rec centers to help our residents who aren't tech savvy get into this system and and get the ball moving? Where is the detailed information in the Daily Sun to help alleviate the fears of residents when asked to provide their social security number, their Medicaid number and a copy of their Medicaid card? (We've been warned for years not to do this!) Where's the advice that you can enter zeros for your social security number and say you don't have insurance to avoid giving out this information.

We're finally making some progress in Sumter County in getting the vaccines here and seem to have a system in place to more efficiently schedule getting them (whoever thought Eventbrite was a good idea!). However, I worry that we are only increasing the anxiety levels in our residents who are wondering how do I do this and am I being passed by.

We can all watch our and help our neighbors, but there are limits. We need a much more organized and informative effort by The Villages IMHO.

[NoMoSno]

meh...never thought vaccines would be available for at least a few more months, other than going to first responders, nursing homes, etc.
Instead, they are becoming available to many starting the first week in January. I'll wait patiently and be grateful without playing the blame game.

[John41]

Folks...I think some perspective is needed here.
The vaccine is being distributed to the states, and then to the cities and counties, to be administered. And, doing the math, for the amount of current doses vs current US population, that's about 6%.

These companies, entities, locations, cities/counties, do NOT have the technology(websites/databases) to handle sign-ups for this amount of people. They use Eventbrite because they were never setup to handle such a mass activity/event, nor are their phone systems! And they won't any time soon, as it's too expensive and cost preventative, and once this pandemic is over, won't be needed. I know this, as a former IT/telephony manager.

The 300 doses, I'm assuming, was probably just an interim distribution, and they probably used it as a test case, to test their method and efficiency?

If there were one clear answer to all this, we would have heard it by now? Everyone's arguing over who should be first, whether it's the elderly or the first line workers. When it's distributed to CVS or Publix, they don't have any database on either?!

Hence, the reason we're hearing that only about 40% of doses have been administered, both at the Federal and State level(s).

Please be patient, as we get thru this. And I wish the best of health to all! I'm still young, healthy, and can wait for all of you!

Right on the money!!!!!!

[gdennis317]

You can register here : Safe Restart (https://sumterfl.saferestart.net/)

System link is also in the Dailey Sun a couple days ago and on Sumter Health Department.

I signed up yesterday, had both my shot appointments scheduled by this evening.

Good luck

[coffeebean]

Can't wait for the day we will see "Get your Covid shot here" on a billboard outside of Walgreens or CVS. That day WILL come. I really believe it will.

[coffeebean]

I posted this concern on another thread in another forum but decided to post it here too. So, no, you aren't going crazy thinking you already read this...........

Have any of you who applied for the vaccine on the Safe Restart website and entered all zeros in the SS# field and "NO" for the insurance information been notified by them to make an appointment? I'm wondering if holding back that information they request actually is OK even though they did send me an email stating my application was successful and I will be notified to make an appointment.

I'm hearing about people who applied after I did and they either already got their vaccine or they already have been able to make an appointment with the Safe Restart website.

[graciegirl]

Can't wait for the day we will see "Get your Covid shot here" on a billboard outside of Walgreens or CVS. That day WILL come. I really believe it will.

By that time we will all be vaccinated. I think the first 4000 have been portioned out and more appointments will be validated as soon as we see the the next shipment. I think how they are doing it ...seven days a week...we will see a lot of people receive shots soon. We were in and out, including the fifteen minute wait afterward (which is timed by green tag on your windshield) in less than an hour.

[New Englander]

Actually I’m waiting to be able to buy the shot, there won’t be no long lines there.

I'll bet there are people that already have done that.

[New Englander]

I posted this concern on another thread in another forum but decided to post it here too. So, no, you aren't going crazy thinking you already read this...........

Have any of you who applied for the vaccine on the Safe Restart website and entered all zeros in the SS# field and "NO" for the insurance information been notified by them to make an appointment? I'm wondering if holding back that information they request actually is OK even though they did send me an email stating my application was successful and I will be notified to make an appointment.

I'm hearing about people who applied after I did and they either already got their vaccine or they already have been able to make an appointment with the Safe Restart website.

I applied yesterday. I put all 0's for my social # but did give my insurance. I got an acknowledgement email and have been instructed to wait and they will send me a email to let me know when it's my turn.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

To coffeebean: the only people who "need" your social security number is the social security office, your bank, and your employer. Now that medicare uses unique identifiers that are NOT social security numbers, you should never EVER need to put that number down for any medical reason, ever.

They ask for it on forms, but you can just leave it blank. Or you can fill in 0's or 1's. If it doesn't work, find some other way to get what you're looking for. It is illegal for them to require your social security number. It's probably just an old form that they never updated, and they just never bothered to remove it when the laws were passed forbidding them to require it.

[retiredguy123]

To coffeebean: the only people who "need" your social security number is the social security office, your bank, and your employer. Now that medicare uses unique identifiers that are NOT social security numbers, you should never EVER need to put that number down for any medical reason, ever.

They ask for it on forms, but you can just leave it blank. Or you can fill in 0's or 1's. If it doesn't work, find some other way to get what you're looking for. It is illegal for them to require your social security number. It's probably just an old form that they never updated, and they just never bothered to remove it when the laws were passed forbidding them to require it.
Of course, you can refuse to give someone your SSN, or any other information. But, a business can also refuse to do business with you if you don't provide it. I don't know of any law that makes it illegal to require an SSN to conduct business.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Of course, you can refuse to give someone your SSN, or any other information. But, a business can also refuse to do business with you if you don't provide it. I don't know of any law that makes it illegal to require an SSN to conduct business.

There is no reason for someone giving you a vaccine that is provided free as a public health service, to require your social security number. Your social security number is none of their business. You should treat your social security number with the same respect you treat your bank account and routing number. Even employers don't need it - until you are offered and accept the job. In some states, it's illegal for employers to require a social security number during the application process. They can ask for it - but they can't require it. You can leave it blank, and they have to accept that they're not going to get that number unless you end up becoming an employee.

The whole reason they changed medicare card ID numbers was because they used to be your social security number, and there was so much fraud and identity theft as a result they HAD to change it.

So - don't give our your social security number to doctors. They have no need for it, and there's nothing they can do with it. Your insurance ID number is what they might need.

[John41]

Of course, you can refuse to give someone your SSN, or any other information. But, a business can also refuse to do business with you if you don't provide it. I don't know of any law that makes it illegal to require an SSN to conduct business.

I think any transaction over $10,000 requires your SS# for reporting to IRS. Otherwise i would take my business elsewhere.

[coffeebean]

By that time we will all be vaccinated. I think the first 4000 have been portioned out and more appointments will be validated as soon as we see the the next shipment. I think how they are doing it ...seven days a week...we will see a lot of people receive shots soon. We were in and out, including the fifteen minute wait afterward (which is timed by green tag on your windshield) in less than an hour.

It was fairly quick for me too......About 15 minute wait on line then another 15 minutes wait in the observation area. I was very impressed with the organization.

[coffeebean]

I applied yesterday. I put all 0's for my social # but did give my insurance. I got an acknowledgement email and have been instructed to wait and they will send me a email to let me know when it's my turn.
I was sent my email and code today. I selected a date and time window and I was out the door right away to get to the vaccination location for a 4:00 to 4:30 window. Great experience from start to finish. After I selected a date and time for the first shot, I was sent an email with a date and time for the 2nd shot. They are giving out the Moderna vaccine so my appointment is 28 days from my 1st shot.

[New Englander]

I was sent my email and code today. I selected a date and time window and I was out the door right away to get to the vaccination location for a 4:00 to 4:30 window. Great experience from start to finish. After I selected a date and time for the first shot, I was sent an email with a date and time for the 2nd shot. They are giving out the Moderna vaccine so my appointment is 28 days from my 1st shot.

What day did you first sign-up? I signed up Jan 12, in the afternoon.

[shut the front door]

There is no reason for someone giving you a vaccine that is provided free as a public health service, to require your social security number. Your social security number is none of their business. You should treat your social security number with the same respect you treat your bank account and routing number. Even employers don't need it - until you are offered and accept the job. In some states, it's illegal for employers to require a social security number during the application process. They can ask for it - but they can't require it. You can leave it blank, and they have to accept that they're not going to get that number unless you end up becoming an employee.

The whole reason they changed medicare card ID numbers was because they used to be your social security number, and there was so much fraud and identity theft as a result they HAD to change it.

So - don't give our your social security number to doctors. They have no need for it, and there's nothing they can do with it. Your insurance ID number is what they might need.

Wrong. The reason was explained 2 days ago in the Daily Sunshine Pumper.

"Additionally, upon hearing resident concerns, GMR is bypassing the input of Social Security information online. Officials said users can simply insert 111-11-1111 and the actual Social Security information will be collected on-site. The vaccines are free and the company does not receive any compensation, but they are allowed to file an insurance claim for reimbursement for the medical professionals giving the vaccines, which the social security number is needed for."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wrong. The reason was explained 2 days ago in the Daily Sunshine Pumper.

"Additionally, upon hearing resident concerns, GMR is bypassing the input of Social Security information online. Officials said users can simply insert 111-11-1111 and the actual Social Security information will be collected on-site. The vaccines are free and the company does not receive any compensation, but they are allowed to file an insurance claim for reimbursement for the medical professionals giving the vaccines, which the social security number is needed for."

Except that is incorrect. Your social security number is NOT needed to file an insurance claim. Your health care ID# or Medicare ID# is required to file an insurance claim. The Medicare ID# USED TO BE your SS#. It no longer is. That information from your daily nonsense paper is, and has been, obsolete. If the people giving the vaccine require it, then their information is also obsolete.

[coffeebean]

What day did you first sign-up? I signed up Jan 12, in the afternoon.

I filled out the application on the Saferestart website on Monday, Jan. 11th. early afternoon.

[New Englander]

I filled out the application on the Saferestart website on Monday, Jan. 11th. early afternoon.

I will most likely be in the next round being vaccinated. I think it's super important that we all get the second dose in the correct time. It's not easy, but I'm being patient.