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Vegas senior traveling to Laughlin to get vaccine due to lack of appointments

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Vaccine
vaccine
Posted at 8:44 PM, Feb 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-04 02:25:36-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The state has launched a new vaccination call center as some of the most vulnerable in Southern Nevada say they've been having trouble scheduling their shots.

RELATED: Nevada Health Response sets up vaccine Q&A hotline

Nancy Wyatt has been glued to Southern Nevada Health District’s website since the beginning of the new year trying to make an appointment for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Every day, certain times during the day," said Wyatt. "And when I wasn’t checking, my husband was checking.”

On Wednesday she finally got an appointment but will have to drive about two hours away to Laughlin to get it.

“It’s at least 115 miles away,” she said.

She’s feeling fortunate to have been tech-savvy enough to figure out the appointment system, which is something she knows other seniors probably can’t do.

“I’m 76 years old and I definitely want to get that vaccination," she said. "I don’t want to get sick and end up dying."

As struggles continue with the first dose, Nevada is full steam ahead with administering the second dose.

But on a virtual call on Wednesday with the Southern Nevada Health District, problems were acknowledged with second dose appointments too.

“The second dose appointments as of Jan 18, 19, we switched our appointment system,” said SNHD's JoAnn Rupiper. “When we did that and published it on our website, it really overwhelmed the system.”

RELATED: ‘Vaccine hunters’ get vaccine ahead of schedule in Las Vegas

Complications and worries aside, Gov. Steve Sisolak says he could not be prouder of the immunization efforts.

According to the state health officials, Nevada is currently leading all states and territories in FEMA Region 9, including Arizona and California, when it comes to the percent of doses administered.