Hamilton’s COVID-19 vaccination hotline temporarily shuts down

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Published March 10, 2021 at 9:26 am

Hamilton’s COVID-19 vaccination hotline has been temporarily shut down as the city’s Public Health Service (PHS) awaits the launch of the province’s online booking system.

The hotline, which was launched this month when vaccinations became available to members of the community who are 85 and older, was quickly overwhelmed and thousands of residents looking to register for a vaccine appointment were met with busy signals and endless ringing.

The province’s much-anticipated online booking system, which will include a service desk and online portal, is slated to launch on March 15.

Those who managed to register for a vaccine appointment via Hamilton’s hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7, may still receive a callback up until March 14 at 4 p.m.

Those who have not been called back by March 14 or who have yet to register for their appointment are asked to wait until the province’s booking system is operational.

The hotline will also reopen on March 15th at 8:30 a.m. and will be available to those who don’t have the ability to book online.

“We ask that residents do not choose another option on the hotline, the other lines are reserved for those looking to book testing appointments and need urgent access,” a PHS press release issued Tuesday (March 9).

“These staff are not able to answer questions about vaccine appointments.”

Instructions for booking an appointment and more information on Hamilton’s vaccination rollout can be found online.

Starting next week and depending on supply, vaccinations are expected to become available to those 80 years of age and older.

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