Frustrations mount over vaccine roll out
Rural counties in Western North Carolina are feeling the frustrations with the national COVID-19 roll out plan.
County health departments are overworked and understaffed as they attempt to follow the changing protocols and requirements associated with COVID testing and vaccinations.
“It’s been a disaster, the vaccine (rollout) has it’s not our fault but we have to deal with it,” said Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale during a Jan. 12 meeting. “If the federal government and the state don’t function, we still have to function at the county level.”
Macon commissioners said they were receiving complaints from constituents who have been trying to make a vaccination appointment through the health department. When they call, they either get a busy signal or are put through to voicemail.