Nova Scotians who are between the ages of 65 and 69 are now eligible to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Given the number of people in this age group, it’s likely we won’t be able to drop down an age cohort in the next few weeks,” explained Premier Iain Rankin at a Friday briefing.
Anyone over the age of 65 can go online or call 1-833-797-7772 to get an appointment.
There are still some vacancies in the Central Zone and the province says more than 40,000 appointments will be added to clinic locations across the province for the coming weeks.
In addition, the province says there are still some AstraZeneca slots open for people between the ages of 55 and 64.
The province’s chief medical officer of health added officials are aware that some people are having a hard time trying to get a booking.
“Everybody wants to get vaccinated and that’s a very good thing,” Dr. Robert Strang said. “The reality is however that we still have limited supply.”
“But that supply is increasing, and as it does, we will be continuously adding new appointments into the system and getting vaccines into arms.”
If you’re not able to get an appointment, Strang suggests waiting a day or two and trying again.
He stressed appointments can only be booked through the website or phone line.
“I’m still hearing reports of people calling clinic locations directly,” he said. “I know that people are eager, but please do not call clinics, whether it’s your pharmacy clinic, the public health community clinic or the physician clinic. Those locations can not book appointments.”
“And if you don’t see appointments in your area when you’re online, please don’t then pick up the phone and call the toll-free line. Whether it’s on the phone or online, it’s the same list of open appointments.”