Montgomery County is planning to start sending individualized appointment links next week to people eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine in the hopes of stopping line-jumpers, writes Aaron Moselle for WHYY.

These new, single-use links will require a resident to enter a password supplied by the county to make their vaccination appointment.

The county had to change the way links were being sent out after it discovered that people were sharing appointment links with their family and friends who were not yet eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines under the state’s rollout plan.

“This is not ethical or moral and it needs to stop,” said County Commissioner Val Arkoosh. “We are committed to delivering the vaccine in an efficient and equitable way.”

Additionally, the county has launched a hotline for residents where they can ask general questions about the coronavirus. The number is 833-875-3967. The hotline will also serve as a way for people to pre-register for a vaccine appointment, potentially starting as early as next week.

“It could easily take up to 12 weeks or longer before you actually hear from us about scheduling an appointment,” said Arkoosh.

Read more about individualized appointment links at WHYY by clicking here.