Some Burnaby residents are speaking out about why they can’t seem to book their COVID-19 vaccinations in their own city.
I’ve received several messages from people trying to book their shots in Burnaby, but not being offered any dates locally.
I got my notification on the weekend too to book my booster shot and had to make an appointment in New Westminster because Burnaby wasn’t an option.
I wasn’t alone.
“Why is Burnaby always the last in line for vaccinations?” asked Burnaby resident Stephen, in a letter to me. “I'm 52 and have had three heart surgeries due to genetic problems. During the first round of vaccinations, there were no vaccines available in Burnaby, so I stood in a long line in Coquitlam where healthy 30-year-olds were getting their shots. But I was turned away because I'm a Burnaby resident.
“I received my invitation to book a booster on Jan 4. By then, there were no appointments left in Burnaby. North Van, Vancouver, Richmond, Langley, Surrey - they all had plenty of available times and locations. I had to make an appointment in North Van, by Lonsdale. I've called a few times to re-book, but there are still no options for Burnaby. However, all our surrounding cities still have plenty of available appointments and locations. Why is Burnaby always the last in line? And why are our elected officials doing nothing about this?”
It’s a fair question. Fraser Health did announce on Friday that it had expanded the number of COVID-19 vaccine sites in several Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley cities. Burnaby is apparently up next to get a second site as the previous one at the Christine Sinclair Community Centre was shut down in 2021.
I would be upset, but I’m just happy that I’ll be getting my third dose soon, offering me a higher level of protection in case I get COVID-19.
Now if only others would start getting their first dose, maybe out health-care system would stop getting so overwhelmed.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
