Skip to main content

Here's what caused the long lines at Vancouver's COVID-19 vaccine clinic Monday

Share
Vancouver -

An issue with an administration system led to significant delays at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Vancouver Monday, forcing some recipients to wait well over an hour.

Reports of long lines outside the Vancouver Convention Centre surfaced on social media late in the morning and continued through the afternoon.

"The provincial vaccine administration system experienced an issue this afternoon that impacted clinic flow at the Vancouver Convention Centre," Vancouver Coastal Health told CTV News Vancouver in a statement.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we are committed to accommodating all clients who have made an appointment at the Vancouver Convention Centre to receive their vaccination in a safe and efficient manner."

To make matters worse, Vancouver is going through a heat wave. Temperatures reached nearly 24 C in Vancouver on Monday, but felt much hotter with humidity.

VCH distributed water to people in the line throughout the day and accommodated those with mobility issues "by bringing them directly inside."

Anyone who didn't want to wait was helped with rebooking, VCH said.

But while some people told CTV News Vancouver they stood in line for up to two hours to get their shot, most said it was well worth the wait to get a second dose.

As of Monday, nearly 76 per cent of British Columbians aged 12 and older had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BUDGET 2024

BUDGET 2024 Feds cutting 5,000 public service jobs, looking to turn underused buildings into housing

Five thousand public service jobs will be cut over the next four years, while underused federal office buildings, Canada Post properties and the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa could be turned into new housing units, as the federal government looks to find billions of dollars in savings and boost the country's housing portfolio.

'I Google': Why phonebooks are becoming obsolete

Phonebooks have been in circulation since the 19th century. These days, in this high-tech digital world, if someone needs a phone number, 'I Google,' said Bridgewater, N.S. resident Wayne Desouza.

Stay Connected