(Douglas County, NE) -- The Douglas County Health Department is cracking down on people who are signing up to get COVID-19 vaccines before they are eligible.
Phil Rooney with the Douglas County Health Department tells WOWT 6 News that, “We know that people are going to try and some people are going to get away with it, but we do remind our partners in the community who are giving the vaccine to follow the rules."
6 News reports that not everyone is following the rules though. They say reporters spoke with several people at a mass vaccination clinic last week who got the shot without meeting the requirements. One person who got the shot and wasn't eligible telling 6 News, “Obviously, I wanted people, workers, teachers, people that needed to get them to get them first; but I got the opportunity to get one, so I got one."
Rooney said DCHD recently canceled roughly 200 scheduled vaccine appointments made by people who don’t qualify. “We did have an incident this week where a rather large company - someone within it - got a copy of one of the links we send to people who are eligible. Friends share it, and we found out,” said Rooney, noting when they find out people are jumping the line, they put an end to it. “We sent them a letter saying you are not qualified do not get the vaccine, and please quit sending emails. And we went around and canceled I think it was 200 people that had signed up.”
Health leaders say they are glad to see enthusiasm for the vaccine, but ask that people to wait for their turn. “There’s thousands of doses going out a week, and more and more outlets. And we’re getting to the point where everyone’s going to be able to be in the pool pretty soon,” said Rooney, noting until then stick to the requirements and don’t skip ahead to get the shot.
“It’s still a concern because we don’t want people taking away vaccine from those who need, who are more likely to be badly impacted by the disease than they are,” Rooney said. “So please, people, wait your turn - it’s coming very soon.”