Website to allow more vaccine appointments Saturday

Lines were spaced out to observe social distancing on the first day of vaccinations at Heritage High Jan. 14. (File photo)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

After a rough 10 days in which computer glitches hampered the appointment process for COVID-19 vaccinations in Riverside County, a revamped website will open appointments starting at noon on Saturday for next week’s clinic in Menifee and three other county locations.

The announcement was made today by the Riverside County Health Department. This followed a news release on Thursday stating that the website would be improved following a week in which thousands of residents were unable to make appointments online.

“A technical issue in the website code was uncovered at that time of opening 3,900 appointments for weekend vaccine clinics,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, when many residents attempted to visit the appointment website, they saw a timeout screen.”

Residents who qualify within Phase 1A (all tiers) and Phase 1B (tier 1) make may an appointment once the site allows it on Saturday for a vaccination at any of the four sites, including Heritage High School in Menifee. Those eligible include police and fire personnel, teachers, food workers and individuals 65 and over.

The other sites are in Corona, Beaumont and Indio. Approximately 10,000 appointments will be available, according to today’s news release. All clinics on Mondays and Fridays will be reserved only for seniors.

Participants must show proof of eligibility (badge, business ID, letter of proof from employer) and have an appointment when they arrive at the clinic.

“This is welcome news for so many of our residents who are extremely eager to get the vaccine,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Riverside County Supervisor. “We are just as eager to get our weekly shipments of vaccine so we can offer more appointments. The county team is doing a tremendous job vaccinating thousands of people at these public health clinics within just a few days of receiving the vaccine.”

To schedule an appointment, visit the vaccine website here. Seniors who need help registering can call 2-1-1.