Vaccine Clinic Workers Harassed In Montco, Officials Say

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County vaccine clinics have been plagued by hostility toward staff members administering doses and organizing proceedings, officials said Wednesday. Many of the persons working the clinics are volunteers.

County leaders acknowledged that there has been plenty for residents to be frustrated about, ranging from technical glitches to appointment delays.

"It is never acceptable to berate or otherwise harass our clinic staff," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "We know the last few months have taken a toll on everyone waiting to get the vaccine. ... please be respectful of staff who are doing everything they can to get the vaccine."

Authorities did not elaborate on specific instances but noted that this has happened at numerous locations "a handful of times."

Issues with the old registration system could have caused some of the frustrations, they acknowledged. Officials advise residents who encounter issues with the new system, or who are unable to register, to simply try again at a later date.

Now, with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine paused over health concerns from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tensions are mounting. The county was reliant on a planned weekly shipment of 10,500 J&J doses, which allowed it to open up eligibility for registration to the general public on Tuesday. The future of the J&J vaccine remains murky as health experts continue their evaluation of risks this week.

"I understand that people are frustrated," Arkoosh said. "I just ask that they not take this frustration out on (workers at the clinics)."