By: KDKA TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Allegheny County Department of Health’s hotline for planning COVID-19 vaccination appointments at their Monroeville clinic was raided shortly after noon.
The phone line was opened on Thursday afternoon for senior citizens, 65 years and older, who do not have internet access or are having difficulty making an appointment online.
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However, there have been dozens of reports of people failing to dial the phone 211 number. Some people have even been asked for credit card information instead of booking an appointment.
‘It was like calling to get concert tickets. Phones busy. Phones busy, ”said David Panasiuk about Zoom.
Panasiuk tried to make an appointment for his 79-year-old mother and 77-year-old aunt.
“I had my mother, my aunt, my wife and my brother. “Everyone is trying to call to reach them,” said Panasiuk.
They all got busy signals. According to provincial officials, more than 15,000 calls came in per day throughout the day.
Allegheny County spokeswoman Amie Downs said the “211 lines are being crossed and people are struggling to get through” because of the “large number of people calling to register by telephone.”
The 211 hotline is in partnership with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“I don’t think anyone expects so many people to call at exactly the same time,” said Michele Sandoe, director of United Way of 211.
Just talked to a man who was trying to get appointments for his mom and aunt. He says the line went twice to what felt like scammers. Both times, the person on the other hand asked for credit card information. https://t.co/mudy94ps3R
– Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) February 4, 2021
The United Way that runs the 211 line says NO ONE should ask for your credit card information. If they do hang up. @KDKA
– Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) February 4, 2021
According to the Department of Health, there are only 750 places available in Monroeville over the next two weeks. Once full, the hotline will no longer take calls to schedule appointments.
Just before 4 p.m., Downs said all 750 seats were filled and that number 211 would no longer accept calls for appointments.
Allegheny Co. says’ based on the number of calls and appointments made and the number of callers queuing with 2-1-1, there are no more appointments available. As of 3:45 p.m., 2-1-1 cannot accept further calls for appointments. Should that change, we would give advice. ”
– Chris Hoffman (@NewsmanChris) February 4, 2021
According to Downs, the country is also aware of several reports of fraud incidents for people trying to dial the number 211. She said the phone carriers are investigating everyone.
Panasiuk said he reached out to a man who told him it was longer than expected.
“They give us a hundred dollar gift card which is good for Walmart or Target,” Panasiuk said.
He then asked for Panasiuk’s credit card information. Panasiuk hangs up and tries again.
This time he gets a woman who knows he’s asking for the vaccination. She also asked for a credit card number.
‘What do you need a credit card for? It’s a free vaccine. “It’s to keep your place in line,” he said.
After Panasiuk refused, she hung up. The United Way is not sure what happened. It is investigating the matter. They said the calls did not go to the right place.
‘Hang on. Absolutely. We never, ever ask for credit card information, ”Sandoe said of Zoom.
Panasiuk said: “I hope this does not happen to the elderly in the area.”
Other vaccine providers in Allegheny County have separate registration systems. The 211 numbers are for appointments at the Monroeville COVID-19 vaccination center only.
Official health officials say seniors calling 211 for an appointment will ask for an email address or cell phone number. It is not necessary, but will be useful to receive reminders.
Those who do not have an email or cell phone said the health department will give instructions on when to contact 211 to schedule their second dose appointment.
The department has its partnership with @unitedwaySWPA. This afternoon at 12 noon, callers on 2-1-1 will provide telephone support to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments and answer questions about the vaccines. pic.twitter.com/8YH1wdAHqv
Allegheny County Department of Health (@HealthAllegheny) February 4, 2021
The United Way’s 211 hotline also provides 24-hour support to anyone with questions or concerns about coronavirus. The United Way plans to continue telephonic support as appointments become available. It will close temporarily when all openings are filled.
More information can be found on the Coronavirus Information Page of the Allegheny County Health Center at this link.