When Pfizer and Moderna first began distributing the Covid vaccine, it was announced that there would be a waiting line. The vaccines would first be delivered to healthcare and frontline workers (doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc). Then, the elderly in nursing homes. Next up would be military/police/fire, and other essential personnel. Finally, it would be released to the general public. A time line for the general public is estimated to be in spring or summer of 2021. (US).

Due to a computer error in Baptist Health’s system in Lexington, Kentucky, random patients were able to access their patient portal and register for a Covid vaccine next week. This was an error and the vaccines were meant for the community’s healthcare workers. Over 6,000 people registered.

Now, Baptist Health is honoring those appointments instead of redistributing the vaccines to doctors and nurses in the area.

“Many who viewed the site mistakenly thought the vaccinations were open to the general public,” Ruth Ann Childers of Baptist Health said. “We regret the confusion this has caused our communities.”

The scheduling page has since been updated, and clearly states at the top, “Phase 1A is meant for health care personnel employed in the state of Kentucky . . . if you meet the certain criteria, you may schedule an appointment.”

Childers asked for “the community’s help to ensure these vaccinations reach our health care personnel first.”

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Do you agree with allowing people not in healthcare to receive the first distributions of the vaccine? Should those appointments be honored? It’s important to remember that thousands of doctors and nurses across the US still have not been able to register for a vaccine.