Long lines for booster doses in Vancouver as active COVID-19 cases soar

Despite hours-long waits for booster appointments in Vancouver, and frustration with the invitation and booking system, B.C.’s health minister says the province’s vaccine program has been and continues to be “exceptional.”

On Dec. 31, the province announced it was expanding eligibility for third doses to everyone 18 and over who received their second vaccine six months or more ago. Starting this week, capacity to administer the shots was increased by reopening mass clinics —  like the one at the Vancouver Convention Centre– that were previously shuttered.

On Thursday, after heavy snow turned to relentless drizzle, a lineup snaked around the outside of the waterfront convention centre.

Long line to get a booster dose today at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Hundreds standing in the rain – as the line loops around outside, before going inside. @CityNewsVAN https://t.co/oiuqghJ1JJ pic.twitter.com/dot1al1eOM

— Chad Harris (@ChadHarrisTV) January 6, 2022

Inside, the wait continued.

I feel like I am at Disneyland. They just keep queuing us down stairs, in other rooms. Guess the reward at the end is worth it. Kinda feel like they are a bit over stretched here, however. @VCHhealthcare pic.twitter.com/NPSt9TYS3H

— Chad Harris (@ChadHarrisTV) January 6, 2022

Asked about the situation Adrian Dix said it was similar to what the province saw when it first launched the vaccine campaign.

“There were a couple of days where there were a lot of lines and then those were sorted out. We are ramping up at the convention centre,” he said.

“I think the program has been — from the beginning — exceptional. And yes, from time to time in the program there have been waits, but we try and move people through as quickly as possible.”

People who were in line have said the main issue seemed to be people showing up very early for the time slots they had booked.

According to Vancouver Coastal Health, logistical “hiccups” happen whenever new sites are opened. A spokesperson says the clinic has given a record number of shots in the past two days — with 3,600 on Wednesday, and 5,000 on Thursday.

“While we are pleased with the enthusiasm from the public booking their booster doses, we apologize for any inconvenience some of the wait times may cause and thank everyone for their patience at this time,” an email reads.

“As one of the largest COVID-19 immunization clinics in B.C., people may experience longer lines outside of the Vancouver Convention Centre site, as we deal with a greater volume of clients.”

1,042,861 British Columbians have received their 3rd dose or booster.

— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) January 6, 2022

As of Thursday, 22.5 per cent of eligible British Columbians 12 and older have received a third shot, up from 21 per cent on Dec. 31.

While invitations to book came swiftly for some following the province’s decision to expand the program, others were left confused about why they were waiting longer. People well past the six-month mark said they were frustrated that people who got a second shot after them were being invited to book a third sooner.

As of Monday, there were 800,000 people in the province who had passed the 182-day mark since their second dose.

Dix said there are options for those anxious to get in as soon as possible, but is reminding people that they should not show up without an appointment.

“The appointments are easy to get. If you have an appointment you want to try and go earlier, there’s new appointments being posted all the time.”

It’s a new year, and BC’s COVID-19 immunization campaign is quickly ramping up to provide more vaccinations to our community.

As a reminder, appointments are required for ALL pediatric and booster COVID-19 vaccinations. pic.twitter.com/fP2csBxyXX

— Vancouver Coastal Health (@VCHhealthcare) January 6, 2022

In the Fraser Valley, those facing weeks-long waits for a slot are travelling to other cities where they can find an earlier option.

RELATED: British Columbians travelling cities for COVID booster amid appointment shortages

The health authority says it is workig to “expand access” to booster doses.

“Fraser Health is adding immunizations appointments daily to accommodate the demand we are seeing, so we encourage people to check our website frequently,” says a spokesperson in an email.

“To support people in accessing third-dose and booster COVID-19 vaccine, Fraser Health is reopening and expanding additional COVID-19 vaccine clinics in communities throughout our region. Some of these clinics are already booking appointments and we expect other centres to be fully operational with increased capacity in the coming days.”

Meantime, Dr. Penny Ballem, the executive lead of B.C.’s COVID-19 Immunization Program, has said more about 240,000 people who have received invites since the program launched in October of 2021 have not yet booked an appointment.

With files from Liza Yuzda and Robyn Crawford