Health Director Explains Framingham's Rocky Vaccine Rollout

FRAMINGHAM, MA — To describe Framingham's COVID-19 vaccine rollout over the past week — a period when people over age 75 became eligible for inoculations — acting Framingham Health Director Alexandra DePalo employed a metaphor used a lot during the pandemic: it's been like building an airplane while flying it.

DePalo appeared before City Council Tuesday night to explain what has been an admittedly "messy" rollout so far, but with some aspects outside Framingham's control.

On Thursday night, Framingham posted 300 appointments on a state website for a vaccine clinic at Keefe Tech. The appointments went live as officials were learning to use a new registration system — one that state officials mandated Framingham use.

The 300 appointments went fast. By Saturday, Framingham had to cancel appointments made by people who were either under age 75 or not city residents. Those appointments went to eligible locals who were on a wait list.

"It was a terrible experience for people," she said.

Here are some key points DePalo described to Councilors about the vaccine rollout so far.

Weekly doses uncertain

DePalo said Framingham each Monday can request up to 300 doses of the two-shot Moderna vaccine (the second doses are not counted as part of the city's weekly allotment). And while officials may request 300 doses, they may not get them. The weekly number might fluctuate based on the state's vaccine supply, DePalo said.

"The supply challenge is real," she said.

It's unclear if Framingham can get doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and it has not been offered, DePalo said.

Scheduling security

The state is requiring Framingham use an online registration system that has the ability to store personal information — phone numbers, emails, health insurance information — securely. Framingham officials did not get a chance to train on the state system before making the first round of appointments available, but were caught in a time crunch with state officials announced phase two would begin on Feb. 1.

In some cases, health officials have learned key updates from press conferences given by Gov. Charlie Baker, she siad.

DePalo said in the future, the city will announce when appointments will be available in advance, allowing residents to prepare to jump in line. DePalo also said the state vaccine map will be updated (hopefully) by noon Wednesday with a star for Framingham's weekly clinics at Keefe Tech.

City staff stretched

The vaccines are being administered by Health Department staff, school nurses and Framingham's medical reserve corps. These are the same people who have been dealing with the pandemic since March, which means they are now handling the vaccine rollout on top of contact tracing and other disease surveillance, DePalo said.

Technology and transportation

DePalo said there is concern about seniors not being comfortable making appointments online. Framingham may set up a hotline for seniors to call — and the state has announced similar plans — but there are some logistical issues. The city has to find people to take those calls, and those people have to be vetted first.

Framingham is also talking with local transportation companies to find ways to get seniors to their vaccine appointments.

"If they can't get there, the appointment has no value," DePalo said.