Although the first few days of call centres for vaccination appointments faced delays, those snags have been addressed to the point that the call-in schedule has been accelerated.

In fact, B.C immunization executive lead Dr. Penny Ballem announced today (March 14) that due to progress with the vaccination rollout, appointments for the next age group are now being advanced one week ahead of the previously announced dates.

According to the original schedule, those aged 80 years and older were slated to be able to make appointments on March 22.

However, seniors from ages 80 to 84 will now be able to call in as of specific days this week.

Ballem said that there are approximately 105,000 seniors in this age category who have not yet received vaccinations.

Appointments can be made according to the following schedule, starting at noon on March 15:

• Monday (March 15): age 84 and over;
• Tuesday (March 16): age 83 and over;
• Wednesday (March 17): age 82 and over;
• Thursday (March 18): age 81 and over;
• Friday (March 19): age 80 and over.

Family and friends of seniors in this age group are asked to have only one person to call in to book appointments for individuals this age group.

Health authority call centres are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

The busiest call times are in the morning, with lower call volumes in the late afternoon or evening.  

Phone numbers and booking details are available the B.C. government webpage about vaccinations for seniors.