Global efforts to produce and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine continue to race ahead . But in many cases, that race is an uphill climb. Beyond the challenges in making enough of the vaccine, educating the public, and the logistics of distributing the doses, there is a new challenge. Bots.  \r\n Vaccine websites overwhelmed \r\n In recent weeks, people have shared horror stories of attempting to secure vaccination appointments. Some blame bots for site crashes and stolen slots. Retailers have ample experience battling bots to protect inventory and brand reputation. But the idea of scalpers attempting to disrupt vaccine distribution is a more severe criminal enterprise. It could become a matter of life and death. \r\n Bots pose a twofold threat. First to the retailers that administer the vaccine. Then to the pharmacies, healthcare providers, and state and local governments coordinating distribution. News reports have called for improvements to call center and vaccination registration websites.…