The Saskatchewan Health Authority is expanding eligibility for booking vaccination appointments to those in the 80 years and older age group. This after the SHA reported a successful first day of booking for people 85 and over. A total of 4,351 people booked their vaccination appointments on Thursday.
The province is urging people who aren’t eligible yet to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment, to hold off on calling the new toll-free number that went live Thursday.
Booking online or by phone opened at 8 a.m. Thursday to those 85 years and older. The government says more than 105,000 people have tried to access the booking tool online simply to explore the system as opposed to those trying to book an appointment. And the phone line saw more than 45-hundred calls, some of which were from people who were ineligible, who wanted to confirm their existing appointment or who were seeking general information on vaccine.
As of 4 p.m. 3063 or 76 per cent of appointments were made on-line for seniors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, 1288 of the appointments were booked through the phone line. The average wait time on the phone was approximately 126 minutes to either wait on the line or to get a call back.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says some initial issues have been identified by SaskTel with those trying to connect by phone which the phone company is trying to address as quickly as possible.
The Health Minister said yesterday there will be around 100 different locations where people can get their vaccination, thus reducing long-distance travel. The new toll free number, 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829), will be staffed 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
To book an appointment using the new online system, you will need a valid health card; and a cell phone number or email address where notifications will be sent. Users who aren’t comfortable with, or don’t have access to technology can book by phone. Family and friends who aren’t yet eligible can also book on behalf of someone who is eligible.
