Editor's note: This story has been updated. 

Hidalgo County Health and Human Chief Administration Officer Eddie Olivarez said the county's new online registration website reached capacity just five minutes after opening at 9 a.m. Tuesday. 

The county announced on Monday that it would launch a new online registration system on Tuesday, March 23 at 9 a.m. for county residents to set up an appointment to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine at county-run clinics. 

The system allows people to make appointments for up to two people. Those registering will receive an an electronic reminder of their second dose appointment one day in advance of the appointment. 

“We appreciate the patience of our residents,” Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez stated in the news release on Monday.  “As the vaccine manufacturers increase the production of the COVID-19 vaccines, we in Hidalgo County are increasing our efficiency.  This online registration system is a tremendous step forward on that front.”

Those registering online will receive the Moderna vaccine at clinics operated by the county that run Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Once registration reaches capacity, the system will not accept new registrations, the news release stated.

Residents are encouraged to continue checking the registration system in case anyone cancels an appointment.