Gov: Vaccine call-in centers saw short wait times after morning snafu

Initially those calling into 2-1-1 hotline were originally met with a 25 minute wait time, which soon dropped to under a 5 minute wait time by noon. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD - Almost 150,000 Granite Staters in Phase 1B signed up to register for their COVID-19 vaccine as of Friday afternoon, Gov. Chris Sununu touted in a press release sent out just before 4 p.m. yesterday.
Even before opening at 8 a.m. New Hampshire's online registration system experienced incredibly high volume, which caused a 2-3 minute pause in service, however even with the deluge of calls, average wait times remained under five minutes throughout the day, the Governor's Office said.

"Today's roll-out exceeded expectations and the teams across state government deserve immense credit for their role in making today such a great success," said Gov. Sununu. "Based on preliminary sign-ups we will be ready to hit the ground running and will vaccinate the hundreds of thousands of folks in Phase 1B as quickly as the federal government delivers it."
"Today has been remarkably positive and demonstrates that the people of New Hampshire are ready and willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine," said Lori Shibinette, DHHS commissioner. "This has truly been a statewide, all-hands-on-deck effort. We applaud the efforts of so many, including the National Guard, 2-1-1 call takers, healthcare providers, and the residents who registered for making today go as smoothly as it has."
Initially those calling into 2-1-1 hotline were originally met with a 25 minute wait time, which soon dropped to under a 5 minute wait time by noon. Ahead of registration, state officials predicted wait times of an hour or more. Gov. Sununu credited the 400+ state employees and members of New Hampshire's National Guard with minimizing wait time.

In the first hour of registration opening, over 70,000 Granite Staters had signed up and 123,000 in the first two hours. Over 223,241 individuals have visited the state's vaccine website, and the state expects this number to climb in the coming days.

Meanwhile, DHHS announced 724 new positive test results for COVID-19 on Friday for a current PCR test positivity rate of 3.6 percent.

The newly identified cases include 114 minors and 52 from Strafford County.

DHHS also announced nine additional deaths related to COVID-19, all over 60.

NH COVID-19 Summary Report

NH Persons with COVID-19 60,951

Recovered 53,773 (88%)

Deaths Attributed to COVID-19 971 (2%)

Total Current COVID-19 Cases 6,207

Current Hospitalizations 249