Ontarians say initial vax appointments tough to cancel once earlier dose booked
Some Ontario residents say they're finding it difficult to cancel their original COVID-19 vaccine appointments after securing earlier second shots.
The province has been accelerating second doses for a growing number of residents but has left it up to individuals to move up their appointments.
Neli Trevisan said she was unable to cancel her original second-dose appointment on Ontario's vaccine booking portal this week.
The resident of Barrie, Ont., said she initially had an appointment booked through the provincial system for Friday but was able to find a pharmacy that offered her a second dose on Tuesday.
She said she was able to eventually get through to someone on the provincial phone line but expressed frustration at the process.
"I wanted to cancel so (the slot) will go to someone else," she said, adding that the person she spoke with was thankful she canceled her appointment. "He said that not many people cancel and there are no-shows."
Chris Johnston-Ardern from Toronto had a similar experience trying to cancel her original second-dose appointment, which was automatically scheduled for the end of July after she received her first shot.
While she was able to receive her second dose at a pharmacy last week, Johnston-Ardern said the system did not cancel the original appointment and she had to call to scrap it.
"How this could have been easier, I could tell you multiple ways," she said, adding that it would have been simplest if her original appointment was automatically cancelled once her second dose was registered by the province.
The Ministry of Health said original appointments are automatically cancelled for people who make earlier ones through the provincial booking system -- but that doesn't apply to new bookings made through alternate systems, such as at pharmacies or individual public health units' sites.
The government said individuals can call the provincial phone line to cancel or reschedule their appointment. Individuals can also manage their appointments on the provincial system at https://vaccine.covaxonbooking.ca/manage
"The province is aware that people are signing up for multiple appointments and ask that people only sign up for one appointment at a time. If people do book multiple appointments, it is their responsibility to cancel their appointments," said spokesman Bill Campbell.
In at least one region, no-shows at vaccine clinics have been noted as an issue.
Dr. Miriam Klassen, Huron Perth Public Health's top doctor, said earlier this month that individuals have been making several appointments and showing up to the one that suits them best, without cancelling the rest.
"When someone does not cancel an unneeded appointment, that means someone else in the community has missed out on an appointment they could have taken," the health unit said.
In Toronto, the Humber River Hospital said it offers both appointments and walk-ins at its mass vaccination site to avoid wasting doses when people don't show up for appointments.
"We never have wastage," said Lisa Bitonti-Bengert, its senior director for clinical innovation.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Nigeria's fashion and dancing styles in the spotlight as Harry, Meghan visit its largest city
Nigeria's fashion and traditional dances were at full display on Sunday as Prince Harry and Meghan arrived in its largest city, Lagos, as part of their three-day visit to the country to promote mental health for soldiers and empower young people.
Montreal man facing charges following contraband drone drop at Millhaven: OPP
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says a 40-year-old man from Montreal is facing charges following a suspected drone drop of unauthorized items at the Millhaven Institution.