Thread by @latimes

The access codes were part of a program designed to get lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines into neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic.

Intended to address inequities, the program instead was being misused by people far outside the intended communities.
latimes.com/california/sto…

In L.A., the rumor spread like wildfire through group texts and email chains: The government was testing the appointment system at a new COVID-19 vaccination site at Cal State L.A., and you could help by using a special access code to sign up for a shot.
latimes.com/california/sto…

In the Bay Area, the gossip took a slightly different form: Doses at the Oakland Coliseum were about to expire, and you could do your part by making an appointment, again, with a special access code.

latimes.com/california/sto…

The problem, of course, was that none of this was true. There were no expiring doses at the Oakland Coliseum earmarked for use with special codes, and the Cal State L.A. site had no appointment testing program.
latimes.com/california/sto…

The loophole sprang from access codes that allowed users to book appointments through the state’s vaccine registration system. Officials asked community groups — nonprofits, faith-based groups, labor unions — to circulate the codes to their members for appointments at the sites.

But those codes also began circulating in emails and group texts among the wealthier, work-from-home set in Los Angeles who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. Many were younger than 65, and said they didn’t know they were taking slots meant for others. latimes.com/california/sto…

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that California would be making changes to the program following the Times report about the abuses.

latimes.com/california/sto…

Read the story by @sherlyholmes @laura_nelson and @mayalau : latimes.com/california/sto…