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Local snags frustrate launch of Province’s vaccination platform

March 18, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Residents of New Tecumseth looking to book their COVID-19 vaccinations online Monday following the launch of the Province’s appointment system faced a few technical hurdles on the first day.

The Ontario government launched their portal for booking COVID-19 vaccinations on March 15, after public health units like Simcoe-Muskoka continued their respective roll-outs on their own.

In a message shortly after the Ontario-wide system was activated, the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) noted that by 10 a.m. on Monday not all of their vaccination clinics had been put into the system, therefore keeping residents born in 1941 or earlier from securing a shot.

This was not the only snag identified on the first day of the Ontario rollout, with eligible vaccine recipients reporting long waits and technical glitches as they neared the application process.

Nevertheless, the Province said their booking system was “critical” in supporting the next phase of Ontario’s vaccine rollout.

“We are making steady progress in the execution of our vaccine distribution plan and the launching of the online booking system is another major milestone,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. “In this phase of our plan, we are still offering vaccines to our most vulnerable, so I encourage everyone aged 80 and older to use the portal to book an appointment. For everyone else, please be patient; as we get more supply, the vaccine will be offered to more people.”

By visiting Ontario.ca/bookvaccine, eligible residents can make an appointment themselves, or have a trusted individual make an appointment on their behalf. The website guides users through the process of making an appointment either through their portal or through their local Public Health Unit.

Individuals looking to book a shot will be asked for information from their green Ontario health card, along with their birth date, postal code, email address and/or phone number. Those Ontarians still using the old red and white health card will need to call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-800-999-6488 for next steps.

“The Provincial booking system will be critical in supporting the next phase of Ontario’s vaccine rollout as more vaccines become available,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “We know everyone is eager to receive the vaccine, and as we continue to build capacity, we are making it easier and more convenient for individuals to book and receive the vaccine as quickly as possible.”

The Province said, however, they were prepared for an anticipated surge in online traffic and encouraged everyone who is not yet eligible and not booking an appointment for an eligible individual to steer clear of the website to allow those due for theirs to book an appointment.

“With the launch of the new Provincial booking system and support number, we are reaching yet another milestone in our plan to vaccinate Ontarians as fast as we can and as soon as we receive the vaccines,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “Our task force continues to work to bolster and adjust our vaccine rollout plan as shipments to Ontario continue to fluctuate. The portal and customer support number will prove instrumental through Phase 2 as we open mass vaccination sites and inoculate more Ontarians.”

Here in Simcoe-Muskoka, vaccinations in primary care settings such as physician’s offices began on Saturday, March 13, but these care providers will not be taking appointments by request. Instead, individuals between the ages of 60 and 64 will be contacted directly to book their AstraZenica shots.

As of Monday, March 15, New Tecumseth has seen a total of 845 cases of COVID-19, 15 of which have proved fatal. 794 cases are now marked as recovered.

Between March 9 and the start of this week, the community has seen 19 new cases of the virus. 12 of the new cases are attributed to community acquisition or close contact, 1 to an outbreak, and 6 cases remain under investigation.

SURVEY

The SMDHU has launched a second local impact survey to get some insight on how individuals and families have been affected by the pandemic. Building on a similar survey carried out last fall, residents are encouraged to provide feedback on their ability to get healthy food and maintain living arrangements; income, stress, mental and physical health; access to health care services; parenting, children’s behaviours and mental health; following public health recommendations; how the SMDHU has responded to the pandemic; and alcohol use, smoking, and non-medical use of prescription drugs.

The survey can be completed at smdhu.org/impactsurvey.

“As the pandemic continues, so too does the impact on our residents and communities,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health. “While we have learned to adapt in some ways, the prolonged nature of the restrictions are directly affecting mental and physical health, livelihoods, the economy and our residents’ ability to get appropriate services.”

By Brock Weir

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