‘Piecemeal and inadequate’: Florida congresswoman criticizes state’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment system

As Florida works out a new system for COVID-19 vaccination appointments, we’re learning more about how many doses of the vaccine have been wasted in the state so far.

Florida has reported 3,344 doses have been wasted, which could be because of broken vials, or doses that were not used in time.

READ: First UK coronavirus variant cases found in Orange County: What you need to know about each new variant

To put that in perspective, about 1.6 million doses have been given in the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means 0.2% of the vaccine has been spoiled.

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz said one of the biggest issues we are facing is the way scheduling is done.

READ: Stimulus check: Progressives call for monthly direct payments, not one-time $1,400 check

She said too many seniors are waking up at 6 a.m. and scrambling for the few appointments available.

“The appointment systems are piecemeal and inadequate,” she said.

The promised launch of a badly-needed appointment system is nowhere to be found. Wasserman-Shultz said the registration system was discussed, but the delegation said they have had no information about when it may come online.