Not everyone is on board with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plans for the region's youngest residents.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said the first shipment of the Moderna dose for children six months to five-years-old arrived in the region Wednesday, but their plans do not include a online booking option for parents.
Instead, public health in the region is only taking bookings over the phone, with shots administered by primary care providers and select pharmacies.
"The logistics behind this age group differs from previous COVID-19 rollouts, and your patience is appreciated," public health said in a statement.
"We encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider to inquire whether they are planning to administer the vaccine, and/or currently accepting names for a wait list."
The lack of an online option is leaving at least one Guelph parent wanting more.
"Honestly, it seems worse than it was with the initial rollout (to adults)," Tiffany McGuire, a Guelph mother looking to book an appointment for her two-year-old son, told GuelphToday early Thursday afternoon.
"At least then we knew it was going to be like Hunger Games, trying and fighting for a spot and waiting in line."
Her pediatrician is one of many still trying to figure things out with this latest roll out.
Dr. Barra Pediatrics in Guelph, posted to Instagram Wednesday they were looking into the logistics of giving the COVID-19 vaccine for the age group, and steps that need to be taken to prepare, but were not yet sure if it would be feasible.
"If you would like your child to get the COVID vaccine, and are able to register your child for the vaccine elsewhere, please do so," the post read. "We have roughly 1,000 patients five and under and will not be able to provide the vaccine for everyone anytime in the foreseeable future."
They went on to say they'll have more information in the coming days about getting a child on the wait list "IF we are able to get a supply and administer."
McGuire was able to get an appointment in Cambridge next Saturday using the Region of Waterloo Public Health online portal, but was later contacted by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, offering her an appointment for Friday.
"They said they had limited supply for those who don't have family doctors," she said.
But even with the appointment secured, McGuire is hoping to see an online booking portal available for other parents in the area.
In the Region of Waterloo, they're encouraging families to contact their family doctor or pharmacies to book an appointment. But if that's not available, public health is directing people to the provincial booking system for regional clinics.
With those options, the option to book an appointment online in this catchment area remains a big sticking point.
"They said that they were overwhelmed with the short notice of the roll out, which I think is unacceptable because other regions like Waterloo and Halton have been able to offer bookings online," McGuire said.
The online system doesn't look to be in public health's plans either.
In a statement to GuelphToday, a WDG Public Health spokerson said there's a couple reasons for this.
"We are talking about our youngest children," said Danny Williamson. "We want them to be vaccinated in the best possible environment to make this experience as easy as possible. This is most often achieved through their primary care provider or a pharmacy. That’s why you’ll see many primary care providers and pharmacies coming online in the coming days and weeks to administer vaccines. We don’t have the ability to register for them through our system."
He added that for the limited spots available at public health, the focus is on those who can't be immunized elsewhere – whether that be because they don't have a primary care provider or need special accommodations – and "that's most easily supported via phone."
Other aspects of the rollout are frustrating parents too.
"'Contact your primary health care provider' – who haven’t heard from you and have no idea if they are getting vaccines. Do better," said Amy Fraser on Facebook.
As for the pharmacy option, public health released an initial list of locations administering the vaccines on its website.
You can view the full list HERE. Public health said it will be updated as new locations come online.
"You've listed Chancellors Way Pharmacy and they aren't taking appointments until you've provided them with the vaccines," Melanie Parlette-Stewart said on Facebook. "They said that might be about another week. It's a bit misleading to have them listed."
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said as partners launch their programs, they will help bridge the gap and are asking those with questions to call 519-822-2715 ext. 7006.
