Montgomery County officials have asked the public to be patient as the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents continues, write Zoë Read and Maria Pulcinella for WHYY.

Commissioner Dr. Valerie Arkoosh pointed to the recent expansion of the 1A group by the state without an accompanying increase in the number of vaccine doses delivered to the county as the biggest hindrance to the rollout of the vaccine.

In fact, the latest vaccine shipment to the county included fewer doses than the one before.

With the state’s expanded definition of group 1A, up to 250,000 additional Montgomery County residents now qualify for Phase 1A.

Arkoosh emphasized that infrastructure is in place to administer the doses, “we just need more vaccine.”

She also urged residents not to post their vaccination appointment links on social media. The links are given to an individual based on eligibility but are not unique to an individual. This has presented an opportunity for people to jump ahead.

“This is not ethical or moral and it needs to stop,” said Arkoosh. “We need to make sure our most vulnerable get vaccinated first.”

Read more about the issue at WHYY by clicking here.