RELATED: A 90-year-old woman in Seattle walks 6 km through the snow for the COVID-19 vaccine
“It helps us to have a predictable supply and demand curve, and a predictable experience for people coming to the sites, to avoid the actual long waiting time that could result in us trying to maximize our capacity at the no- show rate, “said dr. Jennifer Tong, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Chief Medical Officer.
Like many essential workers in the valley, the manager of Orient Express, Chi Pham, is patiently waiting his turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“They can be sick, or not sick, so I’m very nervous,” Pham said.
VIDEO: Frustrated Kaiser members seek out COVID-19 vaccines
Pham is concerned about the interaction he has with customers on a daily basis, and was disappointed to learn that there were more than 4,500 exhibits at the COVID-19 vaccination sites operated by the country last week. That was about 10% of the available appointments.
“I’m really upset about it, because if they sign up, they have to go there to get it,” Pham said.
Provincial officials say they are already adjusting to the expected rates of not showing up by planning too much what they think is their maximum capacity. Last week, they discussed with 10% too much, so no doses actually went to waste. Although it is difficult to determine the exact reasons for the no-shows, the province believes that some people make several appointments or sign up before they are even eligible.
RELATED: COVID-19 vaccine trial begins in children as young as 6, the youngest group yet to be tested
“If they have an appointment that they do not intend to keep, it feels like just one appointment and probably not such a big deal, but in reality the separate appointments really add up,” said dr. Tongue said.
Provincial officials say those who have signed up but are concerned about compliance still need to show up to answer their staff questions.
Tong added: “They can decide at that point whether they do not want to continue, but at least by coming through, we will have a chance to address any doubts.”
RELATED: SF Interrupts COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Due to Stock Shortage
This comes as the province expands its community involvement team, which visits businesses and neighborhoods in some of the areas hardest hit by the virus. Vaccination in education is an important component.
“Hearing from a trusted person what your options are for testing, vaccination, and keeping you and your family safe is honestly our secret weapon,” said Cindy Chavez, provincial supervisor. “We have to get everyone over the finish line, everyone who is interested in being vaccinated, we have to get them vaccinated.”
The province hopes that the public will reflect on the bigger picture and that they will do their part by canceling the appointments they do not want to keep. Failure to do so could slow down the blast and prevent the province from moving to another level.
“Hopefully I get the vaccine as soon as I can so I can protect myself and also protect the client,” Pham said.
If you have a question or comment about the COVID-19 vaccine, please submit it via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos on the new coronavirus pandemic here
RELATED STORIES AND VIDEOS:
Copyright © 2021 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.