‘Unpredictable supply’: COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Boise hospitals fill quickly
Idaho hospitals already faced issues regarding the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines on Monday, the first day that allowed Idahoans 65 and older to be eligible.
According to tweets from Anita Kissee, public relations manager for St. Luke’s Health System, all available appointments for COVID-19 vaccines filled up quickly Monday morning.
She said the health system received a different quantity of coronavirus vaccines than originally projected. Kissee said in a tweet that those interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccination should check back with the hospital frequently if they do not get scheduled right away.
“With the unpredictable supply at this time, (St. Luke’s) will continue to work diligently to only open appointments based on the amount of vaccine it receives,” she said in her tweet.
Those wanting a vaccine should not call St. Luke’s but check for open appointments online. Those who have previously visited a St. Luke’s facility should use myChart to look for vaccine appointment times. As Kissee pointed out in a tweet from St. Luke’s, more than 100,000 people tried to do just that Monday, showing the demand.
Following announcements from local hospitals, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare tweeted that the number of people now eligible for a vaccine greatly outweighs the supply, and vaccinating those who want it will take time.
“There are roughly 269,000 Idahoans 65 years old and older and Idaho only receives about 25,000 doses each week,” IDHW said in the tweet. Idaho Gov. Brad Little echoed this sentiment, asking Idahoans to be patient in waiting for a vaccine.
After first opening vaccination slots at 8 a.m. Monday, Scott Milner — St. Luke’s senior director or pharmacy — said during a call with reporters that the hospital group later opened up 1,500 additional appointments after learning of new allocations.
All those appointments were filled within 10 minutes, Milner said.
He said more appointments will be available as the hospital group is updated on vaccine allocations, and those who are eager to get a vaccine should regularly check online for openings.
The Saint Alphonsus Medical Group website also said that there were no open vaccine slots as of Monday morning. Saint Al’s said it received a shortfall of COVID-19 vaccinations, and the health system canceled appointments for those scheduled to get shots from Feb. 1-8 at its Nampa hospital and outpatient clinics around Idaho. Appointments were still ready to go at the Saint Al’s hospital in Boise and facilities in Oregon.
As of Monday, more than 100,000 people in Idaho have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
This story was originally published February 1, 2021 at 9:30 AM.
