Frustration in Ontario over lack of spots for 2nd COVID-19 vaccinations

Some eligible residents discovered they would have to travel far for shot

TORONTO — Residents in several of Ontario’s COVID-19 hot spots expressed frustration Monday at their inability to book vaccinations close to home amid a crush of demand after the province accelerated second doses in areas where the Delta variant is spreading.

Based on scientific evidence that people with one vaccine dose are less protected against the variant, the province had said individuals in seven regions who got first doses on or before May 9 could book a second shot starting Monday. Spots, however, were quickly filled.

One resident of Mississauga said he would have to drive more than 100 kilometres to Simcoe, Ont., to get a second dose, initially scheduled for August, after finding nothing nearby.

“It’s not ideal but it’s what was available so I booked it because I really want to get the second shot and two weeks after that finally feeling fully protected,” Rodrigo Cokting said.

Another Mississauga resident, Mike Morden, 45, said he waited on the provincial website for 90 minutes to reserve his second dose only to end up booking a spot in Toronto by phone.

“It took a lot of effort,” Morden said.

Residents in other Delta hot spots also discovered they would have to travel for a shot. One Twitter user in Toronto complained of waiting 90 minutes only to find an available appointment more than an hour’s drive away in Alliston.

In York Region, Susan Farina took to social media to complain she was able to select an appointment but, after a 30minute wait, was told the slot was no longer available.

“The booking websites are seriously deficient,” Farina said.

Health authorities in Peel Region, hit by the more contagious Delta variant, confirmed clinics were fully booked but said more appointments would be offered throughout the week.