AHS, police keeping an eye out for people allegedly no-showing vaccine appointments to spoil doses
Posted May 19, 2021 7:30 pm.
Last Updated May 20, 2021 9:03 am.
CALGARY — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is in contact with police across Alberta to ensure nobody makes waste of COVID-19 vaccines.
AHS tweeted out Wednesday it was made aware of people on social media claiming to have booked multiple vaccine appointments in an attempt to prevent others from receiving their dose.
AHS is aware of individuals on social media claiming to have booked multiple COVID-19 vaccination appointments in an attempt to prevent other Albertans from receiving their dose. We've shared with law enforcement & are ensuring participating pharmacies are aware of these claims.
— Alberta Health Services (@AHS_media) May 19, 2021
AHS says it is making sure pharmacies that carry vaccines are aware of these claims.
“AHS has systems in place to prevent double bookings through our online tool and Health Link 811. We are also watching our no show numbers to determine if false bookings are being made. We are not seeing an increase in no shows,” AHS said in a tweet Wednesday.
“It’s incredibly infuriating,” said Timothy Caulfield, the Canada Research Chair on Health, Law and Policy at the University of Alberta. “It’s selfish, scientifically unhinged, and it really demonstrates how far those who have anti-vaxx views will go, they will adopt a strategy like this that really hurts the community.”
Unbelievable. Vile. Selfish. Unhinged. Just so, so infuriating.
If true, how police find & punish. https://t.co/TJobBaCqOr
— Timothy Caulfield (@CaulfieldTim) May 20, 2021
Caulfield says it’s one thing to have your own views and do something for yourself, but when you start hurting others, you’ve crossed a line.
“I hope law enforcement finds the individuals who are doing this and they take action.”
