Montgomery County is preparing to deploy a software fix that will prevent the misuse of vaccine appointment links, write Justine McDaniel, Oona Goodin-Smith, Rob Tornoe, and Allison Steele for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The state provided registration software, PrepMod, creates universal links for appointments, which were being shared among family and friends, creating registration problems.

These included overbooked clinics as well as ineligible people taking appointment slots from those who are in need of it the most.

The Chair of the Montgomery County commissioners Dr. Val Arkoosh hopes this software fix that sends out individualized links will be up and running by next week.

For now, the county will continue to use the patched software provided by Pennsylvania Department of Health, while officials are looking to replace the system.

The county has also launched a hotline residents can call to have their COVID-19 and vaccine questions answered. The number is 833-875-3967. At this time, the number cannot be used to make vaccine appointments, but officials hope that eventually, this will be an option.

The hotline will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Read more about the county plans at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.