If calling 811 for vaccine booking and 911 answers, don’t hang up

The city is urging anyone who mistakenly gets through to 911 while calling 811 to book an appointment for COVID vaccine, to not hang up.

If connected to 911 remain on the line until you speak with the operator to determine the nature of the call. Do not hang up. Every 911 hangup call is subject to a regulated procedure for risk assessment and reporting, which takes time and resources.

The local 911 centre is experiencing a higher number of calls because of errors while trying to call 811 to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination for themselves or a loved one that is more than 75 years old.

Alberta Health Services is receiving an overwhelming response to COVID-19 vaccine bookings and residents are encouraged to keep calling if they are unable to get through the first time.