Elderly struggle to book COVID vaccine appointments as demand surges

Six million people will become eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccination from Monday, but some are struggling to book an appointment.

A 91-year-old Melburnian eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in phase 1b is in limbo about how to get her jab, claiming the federal government’s vaccine rollout “lacks clarity”.

Doctors’ surgeries were inundated with calls on Wednesday following the launch of the government’s online vaccine booking system, with people advised to book online or call their local practice.

Hanover Street Medical Centre manager Susan Karakostas said her Oakleigh clinic had booked two weeks’ worth of vaccines within an hour on Monday after it pre-empted Wednesday’s launch and sent a text message out to patients over 70 years old.

Other GPs claimed they were blindsided by the site going live, with some people eligible for the vaccine sent away after clinics booked out and reported not yet receiving sufficient doses for the surging demand.

Marie Wells phoned her local GP in Surrey Hills on Wednesday hoping to book in a time to get her vaccine but was told to go online where she could find a nearby clinic participating in the vaccine rollout.

Marie Wells phoned her local GP in Surrey Hills on Wednesday hoping to book in a time to get her vaccine but was told to go online. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Geraghty

She said she discovered she was eligible in phase 1b – which is set to start on March 22 – but could not find out where she could get the jab.

“I ascertained I will be in phase 1b but I could not get any further to find out where the facilities would be in my area,” Ms Wells said.

“I’m 91 and not perfectly savvy with the internet, but I would have thought that information on where people can go if you’re local GP clinic isn’t participating would be made clear.

“I understand that the system is just starting and still has to be worked out – I‘m not holding anyone to blame – but at this stage I have no idea where to apply next to get a shot.

“There will be an awful lot of people in my situation – I live in Balwyn and I look around and there is a big ageing population here.

“It would also be marvellous if there was a helpline and there’s nothing.”

Ms Wells said she was also told by her local medical practice that people would need to remain seated and supervised for 15 minutes in a separate room after receiving the vaccine, sparking a problem with sufficient space.

Hanover Street Medical Centre manager Susan Karakostas said her Oakleigh clinic had booked two weeks’ worth of vaccines within an hour on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Victorian surgeon Dr Geoffrey Wells said many GPs weren’t signing up for the rollout due to this reason.

“Normally, for any other vaccine you would administer it and the patient would just walk out, but to do that now with the COVID vaccine you’d need a spare consulting room, and many smaller GPs just don’t have the space,” he said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt moved to alleviate pressure on clinics on Thursday, announcing extra commonwealth support during the rollout’s early phases.

“We’re announcing over 100 Commonwealth vaccination clinics that will take all comers,” he said on Thursday.

“Some (GPs) are much smaller and will choose from within their own patients first, and some will expand to others.

“But the commonwealth vaccination clinics that are coming online today will take all patients. With over 100 around the country, that’s a very important addition.”

There are 285 Victorian GP clinics participating in Monday’s rollout of the vaccines, with that number to progressively expand to more than 4000 by the end of April.

Nearly three million Australians aged over 70, healthcare workers, people with chronic medical conditions, those with a disability, Aboriginal people aged over 55 and 200,000 people working in Defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing will be eligible for the jabs from next week.

The federal department of health has been contacted for comment.

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