'Vaccine Hunger Games 2.0': Ontario unleashes wave of frustration, confusion with COVID-19 second dose vaccination plan

On Friday, Ontario released its plan to accelerate administration of second doses of COVID-19, beginning with individuals 80 and older being able to book their appointment on May 31.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the province will use a "first-in, first-out" strategy to make appointments available for second doses, dependent on vaccine supply, moving forward.

For Ontarians who received their first shot through their local public health unit's booking system, primary care provider or a at a pop-up clinic, the province has stated that "more information will follow on how and when second dose booking and rebooking will be available," but second dose appointments can be made through the provincial system.

Following the announcement of the plan Ontarians, including health experts, took to social media to share their thoughts on this proposed "second dose summer."

There is no real plan to assist older Ontarians with booking their 2nd doses.

It is cruel to make them play Vaccine Hunger Games 2.0—let's automatically rebook their appointments.

When we communicate new bookings we should provide elders with info on transportation assistance. pic.twitter.com/msgLJ2XWT4

— Nathan Stall (@NathanStall) May 28, 2021

I would love to know the reason why we cannot open up second dose eligibility for 70+ to, I dunno, like right now.

QC, BC, and AB have all administered a greater percentage of their vaccines than ON.

We have ~1.4M unadministered doses ... lets get our older adults vaccinated! https://t.co/kz2PQkTcj0

— Andrew Morris (@ASPphysician) May 28, 2021

Elderly prioritized for timely 2nd shot is a good plan.

However, as essential workers were one of the last groups to receive shot #1, queuing will delay them receiving shot#2.

If supply allows, those with high exposure risk should be moved up to receive shot#2 after elderly. pic.twitter.com/zbj42eyf9y

— Michael Warner (@drmwarner) May 28, 2021

So let me get this straight: The Ontario government just announced that elders can receive a second vaccine dose earlier...but didn’t announce a real plan for how this would exactly happen?

— Naheed Dosani (@NaheedD) May 28, 2021

I understand why so many are calling it vaccine hunger games. It’s dog eat dog out there to get a first dose & no improvement for second doses. I am so grateful to have the inside track because it meant me and my grandma getting our second doses yesterday. Most not that lucky. pic.twitter.com/V6IS70dMCI

— Dr. Alison Mikelsons (@DrMikelsons) May 28, 2021

Others in the province expressed that they would like to see more guidance on these second dose appointments, hoping to see them rolled out as soon as possible.

I have had to turn my phone off because it's blowing up with seniors looking for help to book their 2nd appts bc no one knows what's going on and how to use the patchwork of booking systems.

I, and other volunteers, are paying the price of policy by press conference.

— Ray Lai | 黎志滔 (@raylai_markham) May 28, 2021

Looks like the Plan in Ontario is a "Free For All" style of booking you second dose.

We weren't really expecting them to coordinate right? https://t.co/jR7KzphE7s

— Sherry - safely distant (@sherrychef) May 28, 2021

The Ontario government announcing second dose vaccine news like: pic.twitter.com/N0Wc1FBqym

— Caitlin D (@caitlin_hellen) May 28, 2021

@fitz_meagan - no change for my second dose at all! Still 16 weeks for a 68 year old! https://t.co/R9bzZqMhyZ

— Judith Manson🇨🇦 (@MansonJudith) May 28, 2021

There are still people in Ontario who continue to ask questions about what will happen with their second dose if they received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The province has indicated that it is waiting on national guidance on vaccine mixing, while individuals who received their first dose between Mar. 10 and Mar. 19 are eligible to receive their second dose of AstraZeneca.

when will those who got Astra Zeneca but want an RNA vaccine be allowed to get a second dose?

— Tania Watts (@Tania_WattsUofT) May 28, 2021

So...Me...an AstraZeneca person (lot of us out there) who was not told when my second shot will be...tell me HOW I book a second shot?
1) Do I call the Rexall that gave me my first dose?
2) Do I call the Provincial line to book?
3) Do I... wait for the Rexall to call/text me?

— Chris Ball (@chrisjballTO) May 28, 2021

I got my first dose of Astrazeneca March 15. The pharmacy where I got it, doesn't have AZ for second dose. Will they get it in in the next batch?

— Jane Robertson (@hexturtle) May 28, 2021