Nova Scotia expands COVID-19 second shot eligibility; some experience problems re-booking
On the same day Nova Scotia expanded eligibility to reschedule second COVID-19 shots, some residents are expressing frustration about being unable to move theirs up.
The online booking system automatically scheduled second doses 105 days later when it was launched in March, but with a steady supply of extra doses, officials have been urging residents to re-book earlier when they are eligible.
Those who provided email addresses at the time of booking are being notified that way, but some of the mail apparently hasn't gone through.
Kevin Potter says his 90-year-old father and 88-year-old mother never received a notice.
"They never did get an email for some reason. And I've checked their trash in their email system and it appears they were never sent," Potter told CTV News from his home in Bedford, adding his father tried to re-book over the phone, but couldn't get through.
As it stands, the couple's second shots are booked for July.
The provincial government today announced Nova Scotians who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before May 1 and are scheduled to receive their second dose on or before Aug. 14 can reschedule their appointments for earlier dates.
As of Wednesday, 715,070 doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered, but only 58,854 Nova Scotians had received their second dose.
The CTV Vaccine Tracker finds that's just 6.8 per cent of the population.
"To see us basically last on second doses, it's pretty disheartening for Nova Scotians," said PC Leader Tim Houston.
"We went through the last few months we were last in first doses, and we only started to catch up because other provinces started to top-out."
But the province argues the rollout has been comparable with the rest of the country.
"Nova Scotia's vaccine rollout is in line with national averages," said Nova Scotia Health and Wellness spokesperson Marla MacInnis in a late afternoon email to CTV News.
"All provinces are in close proximity of each other in terms of achieving full vaccination. As our second dose rollout ramps up, Nova Scotians are encouraged to book their second dose sooner."
"The vaccine booking site is a public resource where anyone can search for a clinic or appointment location near them. People who provided an email address at the time of booking will receive a rescheduling notice by email. In order to schedule a second dose appointment you will need to use the rescheduling link provided by email or you can call 1-833-797-7772 if you are currently eligible."
Many seniors seem to have been successful in doing that, according to the Canadian Association of Retired Persons.
"Now, for the most part, people seem to be getting through OK, although there's some wait," CARP chief policy officer Bill VanGorder told CTV News.
But he noted some seniors have noticed social media posts featuring much younger residents also getting their second shots.
"They don't mind, they're happy everybody's getting them, but they're wondering why the age, oldest to youngest plan, seems to have kind of fallen off the rails a bit," he said.
Kevin Potter agrees the booking system does appear to be working well – for most.
"But if you're an exception like my parents appear to be, there's no easy to break through the government 1-800 system and the computer system to get a booking."
The number for the Nova Scotia government toll-free booking line is 1-833-797-7772.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.