Trouble scheduling a COVID vaccine in Riverside County? Here’s what to know.
Booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Riverside County has been impossible for many.
News Channel 3's Dani Romero is breaking down what you need to know when trying to book an appointment on-line.
From full appointment slots to issues with the senior hotline, we hear your concerns thats why we brought your questions to the county hoping they can help address them.
As more vaccination clinics begin to pop up in Riverside County, seniors and others want to know when they can get their shot.
“We tried to find out how to sign up online and have gone through all the RiversideHealth.org and all those places," said Paul Huizenga. "We can't find a place to actually sign up.”
We pulled up the county health website and all the spots were full.
“You should at least be able to register ahead," said Huizenga.
“We don't want people to have to walk through that process and then get to the end and then see that there are no appointments available," said Brooke Federico, Riverside County Public Information Officer. "We removed those links from the website.”
So how do you navigate through the online system when spots do open up?
“They will look for the clinic that they are interested in," said Federico. "They will click on another link there that will take them to a state registration site that state registration site will require basic identifying information.”
And from there the site will ask for your medical insurance information.
“It's important that residents know that vaccine is free," said Federico. "What we are required to do, however, is attempt to bill or collect from your medical insurance provider.”
You will also need to show proof of eligibility.
“You can take a picture from your phone and upload it directly onto the portal from your phone," said Federico. "If you're using a pc or a computer, to get onto the registration portal, when you take that picture, you will need to then email it to yourself.”
There’s a hotline number if you’re stuck, those 65 and older who need assistance making an appointment can call the Riverside County Office of Aging at 800-510-2020 or 2-1-1.
Vaccines will only be given out to those who made appointments ahead of time. You can find the latest information on vaccination distribution, including locations and how to register at ruhealth.org/covid-19-vaccine
“We do know that they're very busy receiving callers," said Federico. "So we do ask that residents remain patient.”
The county is also working on updates to the website, so people can sign up to receive a notification of upcoming vaccine availability. No timeline yet on that.
