Heavy volumes make for extended waits on first day of Prince Rupert/Port Edward COVID-19 appointment bookings

A surge of residents looking to book appointments at the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Prince Rupert has delivered several thousand calls this morning alone, providing for a frantic pace for the 30 agents assigned to the registration program.

A situation that has led Northern Health to call for patience from those trying to break through the busy signals.

The volume of calls in just the few hours would seem to suggest that not everyone is paying attention to the guidelines issued this week towards booking appointments, which dedicated today as a day for those 65 to 90+.

Accounts posted to the Northern Health Social media stream is indicating that more than a few of those trying to access the appointment line today have had a somewhat frustrating experience. 

Yesterday, Northern Health reminded residents of the region of that protocol and the schedule ahead so all those who are 18 and above can be vaccinated when the program starts up next week.

Using the chart above, the phone number to call is 1-866-481-2175, the appointment booking opportunities will be available from 7AM to 7PM Seven Days a Week.

Northern Health also has updated the schedule for the actual vaccination shots, with the program to start on Sunday March 14th at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.

You can follow some of the feedback that Northern Health is receiving on the launch of the COVID vaccination program in Prince Rupert from their North Coast dedicated Facebook page here.

More notes from Northern Health can be reviewed from our archive page.