Make it simple

My husband and I live in Smithfield and are in our 70s. My husband received his shot Jan. 30, but I have no idea when I will get mine.

My primary care doctor’s practice, registered with the state, was accepted, and requested vaccines, but on Jan. 21 they had to send an email stating that they were frustrated to announce that they would not be getting the COVID-19 vaccine to distribute to their patients. They further stated that the Virginia Department of Health is allocating vaccines based on the population in each health district and that I needed to call the Isle of Wight Health

Department to schedule my appointment. I immediately called the Isle of Wight Health Department only to be told there were no slots for two weeks and to call back Feb. 4. When I called back Feb. 4, I was unable to reach anyone at the Isle of Wight Health Department to schedule an appointment. I got a recorded message that offered no information about the vaccine.

Meanwhile, on Jan. 29, my husband received an email from Sentara directing him to a website to register for his vaccine. He did so and in minutes had an appointment and received his vaccine the next day. By the way, according to my husband, Sentara did an outstanding job vaccinating around 5,000 people at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

I simply don’t understand why registering and receiving the vaccine isn’t simple for everyone.

Patricia Robbins, Smithfield