SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health says an error in their online registration system for COVID-19 vaccines allowed thousands of ineligible Utahns to schedule appointments recently.
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The department said in an announcement Saturday that 7,200 people signed up who are not in the demographics currently eligible.
These appointments will be canceled within the next 24 hours, UDOH said, and those whose appointments were canceled will be notified by email. Several hundred have already canceled on their own after learning of the mistake.
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"We apologize for this error and for any confusion it has caused," department spokesman Tom Hudachko wrote. "We appreciate the enthusiasm Utah residents have exhibited for the COVID-19 vaccine, and we strongly encourage all Utahns to get vaccinated once they become eligible."
Anyone who believes their appointment has been canceled in error is advised to contact their local health department where they scheduled the appointment or to try making the appointment again online.
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Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson's office released a statement Saturday, possibly in connection with the same issue, which read:
- "Today there is confusion in the community about eligibility criteria for vaccines. Salt Lake County has confirmed that the eligibility announced by the Governor on Thursday remains in place. Those over age 65 are eligible, and those 16-64 with qualifying medical conditions [coronavirus.utah.gov] are eligible. Per the Governor’s directive, individuals age 16-64 who do not meet qualifying medical conditions [coronavirus.utah.gov] are not eligible at this time. Salt Lake County appointments can be booked at https://slco.org/health/COVID-19/vaccine/ [slco.org]"