Utah officials confirm vaccine webpage “error” that allowed those not eligible to sign up

Feb 27, 2021, 7:22 PM | Updated: 7:44 pm

FILE PHOTO (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Health said that an error in the registration system on the state’s vaccination webpage allowed Utah residents who are not currently eligible to schedule appointments throughout the day on Saturday.

Department of Health spokesman Tom Hudachko said that more than 7,000 people who are not currently eligible have signed up.

“These appointments will be canceled over the next 24 hours,” Hudachko said in a statement, “and email notifications will be sent to each person whose appointment has been canceled.

“Several hundred people, after learning of the error on social media, have already canceled appointments on their own.”

At the same time, health officials say they want to be sure that those Utahns who are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine receive one.

“If anyone feels their appointment has been canceled in error they should contact the local health department where they scheduled their appointment, or try scheduling their appointment again online,” Hudachko said.

Latest COVID-19 trends in Utah

On Saturday, the state reported that more than 700,000 vaccines have been administered. The rolling 7-day average for the percent of positive COVID-19 tests in the “people over people” range continues falling. On Saturday that number 12.2%

Another positive trend included in the Saturday update was the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Utah. According to the Department of Health, 223 Utahns are currently hospitalized.

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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Get a flu shot.