75-plus bookings not yet available in Algoma despite premier's COVID-19 vaccine announcement

Algoma Public Health is not yet vaccinating residents under 80 according to its website despite a provincial announcement Friday that the shot would be available to book for Ontarians 75+ as of today.

Premier Doug Ford announced Friday that the province has vaccinated more than 50 per cent of those 80 or over and would be opening appointments to individuals aged 75 and over as of March 22. 

While the provincial vaccine booking website indicates Algoma Public Health is now taking bookings for those 75+, a note on the APH website where the bookings are actually made indicates that is not the case.

SooToday has heard from readers 75+ who said they have been unable to book by phone today. 

“75+ is not yet open for booking — as soon as all Phase 1 priority groups have been offered the opportunity to immunize, appointments will be made available to next priority groups, including adults 75+,” says a note on the APH booking site.

APH has also posted a note to its Facebook page advising that it is not vaccinating those 75+.

“Not all public health units are using the provincial booking system. At this moment, appointments for adults under 80 are not yet open for booking in Algoma. We expect to make appointment booking available to 75+ soon, once all Phase 1 priority groups in Algoma have been offered the opportunity for immunization. APH will release more information on additional eligible groups for COVID-19 immunization later this week,” stated Dr. Jennifer Loo, APH medical officer of health and CEO in an email received today.

Those eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1 include people who are 80 or over (born in 1941 or before), Indigenous people 55 and older and their immediate household, very high and highest priority health workers, residents, staff and essential caregivers associated with retirement homes.

A full list of those eligible is available here.

“The GFL clinic is accessible and help is available for those who need mobility assistance,” Loo wrote in response to concerns from people with mobility issues.

“The entrance is at the Box Office on the concourse level, which also has both an accessibility entrance and an elevator that is located to the right of the stairs. If you require assistance on-site, someone will be available to help you. Caregivers and service support animals are welcome.”

In regards to people who wish to book vaccination appointments at home if they are not mobile and without support, Loo wrote “APH has a list of Algoma's adult recipients of chronic home care who have been identified as homebound by their home care agency. We are working with partners to develop a mobile immunization strategy, and will be contacting homebound adults who receive chronic home care to offer immunization.”

“Please note that at this time, for eligible people who are mobile, the fastest way to access immunization is at a local clinic site," Loo added.

The provincial booking site also offers pharmacy vaccination as an option for those 60+, but that is only available as a pilot in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Toronto, and Windsor-Essex County.