District 2 Public Health said its phone lines, call center and website are “overwhelmed and (unable) to handle the demand” for the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We ask that everyone be patient,” said District 2 Public Health spokesman Dave Palmer in an email. “We understand that everyone is anxious, but everyone who wants the vaccine will be given the opportunity to get vaccinated. Currently, there is a limited supply of vaccine available at a small number of providers. But, as more vaccine is shipped to additional enrolled providers, access to appointments will improve over the days and weeks ahead.”

Public health officials are reminding people that the vaccines require two doses, either three weeks apart for the Pfizer version and four weeks apart for the Moderna version.

“We are partnering with other health care providers, colleges and universities to utilize nursing students, paramedics, and other health care professionals to help vaccinate residents,” Palmer said. “In addition, we are scheduling special clinics where we can vaccinate larger groups of people at one time. An announcement will be made about these clinics when we have staffing and vaccine on hand.”