VACCINES – Local seniors wait outside while system gets sorted
Even people more than 75 years old who had an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination found themselves left out in the cold in Medicine Hat on Thursday.
A 91-year old lady had a 12:30 appointment but had to stand outside for 45 minutes before being allowed into Higdon Hall where the vaccinations were taking place, her daughter tells the News.
A newly constructed walkway with a roof is where people were waiting before being allowed in the building.
“There were people with walkers and in wheelchairs. It’s disrespect for seniors,” she said.
The News agreed not to reveal her name.
The weather was cloudy, about 4 C with a wind gusting to 62 km/h, according to Environment Canada.
Because there was a specific appointment time the 91-yearold and her daughter had not gone to the appointment dressed to stand outside for any length of time. She says there appeared to be only one Alberta Health Services person checking people before allowing them into the building. While waiting the 45 minutes only four people in the line actually went inside, she said.
While the 91-year-old was still on site AHS appeared to have increased the number of people checking those with appointments and people were allowed inside more quickly.
At about 2 p.m. the lineup outside still had nine people.
A spokesperson for AHS says there were some people who arrived early for their appointment.
“Security was helping to manage traffic and the individuals who were waiting in the sheltered walkway. Everything seems to be flowing better now,” the spokesperson said mid-afternoon.
The process is expected to improve each day as initial issues are resolved.
Starting Feb. 24, anyone born in 1946 or earlier could make an appointment for a COVID vaccine either by calling 811 or using the website to make an appointment: https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx
Anyone in this age bracket who currently lives in a lodge or private supportive living facility will be contacted directly through their care team about when the vaccine will be available on site.