B.C.’s COVID-19, flu booking system suffers glitches

It’s been two days since the provincial government rolled out its new online system to book appointments for the COVID-19 booster and flu shot, but it doesn’t seem to be going well.

Many people are reporting issues and it all hinges on a special code.

The way the new system works is you get emailed or texted a reminder that it’s time to book your shot(s) and along with it, you get a special code you have to use to secure an appointment. The problem is the code only works once, meaning, if you use it to book one shot and not the other, you’re out of luck.

One Vancouver man, who doesn’t want to be identified, tells CityNews he used his code to get his flu shot this past weekend. He didn’t book his COVID booster shot because he’s waiting for Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine to be made available, but without a valid code, he says he’s becoming increasingly overdue for his shot.

I’m hearing this system isn’t working all that well. The code/link you get from the province doesn’t work if you don’t book both flu/COVID shots at the same time. One health authority says the invite isn’t needed for the flu shot. What’s your experience? Send me a DM/email pls. https://t.co/tO9SkcPl5H

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) October 12, 2022

“It’s frustrating because basically, I’m in limbo now. I think they need to sort out their system. It needs to be better. It needs to be more user-friendly and I’m not sure I like the idea of having to book the flu shot when in previous years we could just do it on our own,” he said.

He called the provincial call centre for help and was told they’re not able to give him a new code because the system would not allow it.

“They said, ‘Maybe just wait and hopefully somehow the system will recognize the fact that you’re due and maybe you’ll get another text or email,'” he said.

When registering for COVID 4th, there was no option to select flu or both. I contacted the pharmacy I’m going to for my COVID after and they said I have to book thru BC gov website. My work is offering flu shot the next day so just going that route instead.

— James (@jimmybee604) October 12, 2022

Walked in to a local Pharmasave. Was told I would have to wait for an invite. I’ve already had my Covid booster. Tried to use that old invite for flu shot, but it, too, told me I’d have to wait for an invite. Sigh.

— Give me my effin flu shot (@kathlibt235) October 12, 2022

His wife is also having issues. He says she got her COVID booster recently but while at the pharmacy, he says she was told she could not get the flu shot because she did not use the new booking system.

“She thought that when she got there, they would just give it to her but basically, they refused her because they said, ‘Nope, you actually have to have a booking.’ She went back online to try and get a booking for her flu shot and she’s having the same problem as me — she can’t get back into the system. She was on hold with the hotline for an hour… and then they disconnected her.”

CityNews also spoke to a man who lives in Richmond who’s also facing some confusion navigating this new system. He says he recently went to a pharmacy in Steveston that had a sign posted saying it was accepting walk-in customers for the flu shot.

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He tried and was turned away because they said he had to have an official invite from the province. He also called the provincial call centre and was left without a solution.

“I waited 45 minutes and they told me the same thing too — I have to wait until I get an invite in order to get my flu shot,” he said.

This upsets him because his wife is immunocompromised, and he wants to help protect her. “I’m very worried. It is what it is, but I can’t do anything about it.”

He says he doesn’t want to get frustrated. “It is what it is. If I have to get [an invite], I will get one at some point in time, whether it be now or next week or next two weeks, I know my time will come.”

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The Ministry of Health admits to CityNews the system is not working perfectly but maintains most people should be able to book both shots at the same time. It also clarifies, using the booking system for the flu shot is not mandatory but is recommended, adding walk-in appointments continue to be available at pharmacies province-wide.

“Single appointments, that include both a COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine, are available to be booked in the GetVaccinated system. However, it is not possible to have two separate open appointments at the present time. Rest assured, if you show up to a COVID-19 booster appointment at a pharmacy, and if the pharmacy has available influenza vaccine stock, they can offer it to you,” says a ministry spokesperson in an email.

It goes on to say its ImmunizationBC team is making real-time updates to the system to ensure people are able to book their shots.

If you’re having any issues, no longer have a valid code or need help, you’re being told to call the provincial call centre at 1-833-838-2323.