Kaiser Permanente has canceled more than 5,200 vaccinations in Santa Clara County due to a lack of supply, leaving some of the South Bay’s most vulnerable patients confused and frustrated.
Vaccination of Janet Gillis, a Kaiser patient, was scheduled for February 1 – but it was abruptly canceled. She and her husband both received an email three days before their appointment informing them of the change.
“I understand that Kaiser did not get enough vaccine,” Gillis told San José Spotlight. “What makes me angry is that they said they would keep the appointments they made and then go back on their word.”
The appointments were planned between January 29 and February 5, the hospital said. The appointments were planned at all South Bay locations, including San Jose and Santa Clara.
Kaiser officials said they had booked more appointments than vaccinations and could not keep up.
‘Last week, in a very unfortunate development, we had to cancel some vaccinations in our Santa Clara area because we did not receive the predicted vaccine supply when the appointments were made, estimated on previous deliveries and guidance from the state and country. , “Said a Kaiser spokesman. “We understand the frustration it causes, and we continue to do everything in our power to increase the supply of vaccines, working in partnership with state, state and federal governments.”
About 750 of the appointments were for patients aged 75 and older. Kaiser said these appointments are scheduled as soon as possible.
Another 4,500 of the appointments were for residents aged 65 to 74 years.
“We are committed to vaccinating these people if supplies are available,” Kaiser officials said.
“We regret the stress this may cause you,” said Kaiser doctor Rakesh Chaudhary. “All of our Santa Clara doctors wish we could magically correct the vaccine shortage, but it’s out of our control.”
Mike (72) Mike received his first dose at Kaiser last month and is now awaiting his second dose. But a friend of his, who is 70 and has diabetes and kidney problems,’s first vaccination appointment with Kaiser was canceled.
Although he has an appointment for a second dose, Munday said he is nervous that he will not receive his chance in time due to Kaiser’s cancellations.
“They don’t really live up to the appointments made earlier,” he said. “(It’s) very disappointing … I hope they do not cancel my second shot.”
In early January, Kaiser vaccinated people 65 and older according to state guidelines, despite Santa Clara County health officials recommending that all providers vaccinate people 75 and older due to a shortage of vaccinations.
After vaccinating 65 days and older people, Kaiser changed from patient 75 years and older. The change brought Kaiser in line with the province’s mandate to vaccinate people aged 75 and over due to a nationwide shortage of vaccine supply.
“As we receive additional vaccine, we are working to reschedule these appointments, preferably for 75 years and older,” a Kaiser spokesman said. “As the stock allows, we will also try to reschedule those 65 to 74, but we need a significant increase in the vaccine supply to plan for this population.”
According to COVID-19 test officer Marty Fenstersheib, more than 80% of COVID-19 deaths were in people aged 65 and over.
Meanwhile, Kaiser officials are telling members they can shoot at any approved provider.
According to the country’s COVID-19 vaccination panel, more than 167,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. About 44,000 second doses were administered, meaning that about 2.2% of the province’s 1.94 million inhabitants were vaccinated.
According to the same dashboard, there are approximately 2,600 vaccination appointments for Kaiser scheduled for Feb. 9.
More information on registering for vaccines can be found at www.sccfreevax.org.
Contact Madelyn Reese at [email protected] or follow @MadelynGReese on Twitter.