Thousands of Minnesotans aged 65 and older who signed up for the state’s COVID-19 vaccination trial program received erroneous messages on Saturday – messages that cast doubt on upcoming appointments.
The Minnesota Department of Health said a message intended for about 20 people, informing the small group about a problem with their upcoming appointments, had been incorrectly sent by the seller to a significantly larger group. The error included text messages and emails.
The thousands of people who did not have to receive the messages did receive a follow-up message informing them of the error and emphasizing that their upcoming vaccination appointments would remain valid.
“We take full responsibility for the error that occurred earlier today, which resulted in thousands of Minnesotans receiving incorrect information about their appointment for vaccines,” the seller, Primary.Health, said in a statement sent to MPR News is. “We corrected the error and communicated directly to Minnesotans, influencing their appointment to be confirmed on schedule.
“We apologize to the state of Minnesota and all the Minnesotans affected, and take immediate steps to ensure that this does not happen in the future.”
The erroneous message comes at the start of the second weekend of vaccinations in the state’s pilot program for residents 65 and older.
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