Vaccine-hoarding, shipping mishaps spark confusion about second doses
By Rachel Chason, Erin Cox and Jenna Portnoy
Securing an appointment for a first dose of the coronavirus vaccine might feel like a victory.
But then there is round two.
Scarce supply of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has stirred anxiety about whether the required second dose will be available. Different protocols in different jurisdictions — as well as several mishaps in recent weeks — have added to the frustration and concern in the greater Washington region.
Officials in Prince George’s County are so worried about a shortage of second doses that they have held some first doses in reserve, slowing the pace of vaccinations — even though the federal government now automatically schedules its second-dose shipments. In Anne Arundel County, a data error temporarily disrupted shipments, forcing the abrupt cancellation of two second-dose clinics this month. In Harford County, a second-shot clinic was partially derailed by hundreds of residents trying to get their first shot.
