By Chris Brown

'Please try again shortly'

Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccination site overwhelmed as those 75 and older become eligible

Feb 24, 2021 | 11:25 AM

Registration opened today at 8 a.m. for seniors to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Alberta, but the system crashed within minutes.

What many people saw after they clicked on the “book appointment” tab on the Alberta Health Services website was “Our Apologies” and a brief explanation that said MyHealth.Alberta.ca is temporarily unavailable.

Soon after, officials posted on social media, “As anticipated, we are experiencing very high volumes with the AHS COVID-19 immunization booking tool.”

“The tool remains live. If you are having trouble accessing the site, please try again shortly. Thank you for your patience.”

The province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw retweeted that post and added, “Our healthcare teams are working very hard to make sure that every eligible senior gets immunized as soon as possible. Everyone who is eligible will get their chance.”

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The site was accessible later on Wednesday morning.

Anyone born in 1946 or earlier is now eligible as part of Phase 1B of the province’s vaccination plan rollout.

First Nations and Metis who are age 65 or older are also eligible.

Vaccines will be provided in two doses, given five to six weeks apart.

Hinshaw said yesterday there will be 58 sites set up to deliver vaccinations.