Arizona Department of Health Services is urging those trying to register for coronavirus vaccine appointments to continue trying despite experiencing problems on its website.
On Tuesday morning, additional appointments opened up to an expanded group of eligible vaccine candidates through the ADHS website. However, much like the first round of available appointments, users reported problems signing up.
UPDATE: As of late Tuesday night, ADHS says all February vaccination appointments at State Farm Stadium and Phoenix Municipal Stadium are now booked.
Shortly after 9 a.m. when appointments became available, ADHS said on Twitter: "There is extremely heavy demand for the online scheduling system for #COVID19 appointments at the two state vaccination sites. People are getting appointments. Some people who have say they refreshed regularly. Looking beyond Feb. 14 may be most productive approach right now."
Some Twitter users responded to the tweet saying they were able to make an appointment after repeatedly trying, but others said they were unable to make appointments for those under age 75, or were unable to get a second dose appointment.
ADHS responded, saying those who received an initial dose at State Farm Stadium would be emailed an invitation to get a second dose scheduled, and that time slots were reserved for them at the site.
"You are welcome to register for a second dose appointment at a state site. However, those who received their first doses at State Farm Stadium do NOT need to register for appointments today. Their second dose appointments are reserved, and they'll get an emailed invitation," ADHS said in another message.
It appears the best course of action is to be patient, keep refreshing the page and keep trying, many are saying.
The state is working to secure more doses and will continue to offer as many appointments as possible. Community and county vaccination sites are also working to vaccinate as many eligible Arizonans as possible and expand availability.
Tuesday also marks the addition of Arizonans who are 65 years of age and older into the vaccine priority group, which to date also includes: frontline healthcare workers, emergency services workers, and residents and staff at long-term care facilities (in Phase 1A): and protective services workers; K-12, university, and community college educators; childcare workers; and adults 75 and older (prioritized Phase 1B).
Those 75 and older can sign up at other locations including certain pharmacies. Learn more, here: https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations#pharmacy.