It's vaccine Hunger Games, pharmacy prof says of 2nd COVID-19 shot rollout

At least 10 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered throughout the province, but it's been challenging in recent days for pharmacists to administer second doses. 

With the rapid emergence of the fast-spreading and dangerous Delta variant, there's pressure to administer a second dose as quickly as possible. 

"With the variant, dose one is a little effective and dose two gives you a much better effectiveness," said Dr. Kelly Grindrod, an associate professor of pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. 

"That's an enormous pressure on the vaccine rollout to try to get as many second [doses] done as possible."

The rollout for the first shot was clearly laid out in advance for which group would receive the dose, as well as when. With the second dose, there are many variables and quickly changing messaging, including mix-and-match protocols. As a result, many individuals are receiving their second dose in an unpredictable timetable. 

"Second doses are all over the place," said Grindrod. "All sorts of people are getting second doses at different times and intervals, and that's what's creating the chaos."

Vaccine 'Hunger Games'

Pharmacists are also experiencing a high volume of calls from people asking when they would be eligible for a second dose and where they can receive it, she said. 

"If pharmacies could tell you something, they would tell patients 'Please stop calling,' because their phones are ringing off the hook," said Grindrod. 

"Some pharmacies are turning off their phones to get work done, they're turning off their phones just to vaccinate people."

Satifh Mistry, a pharmacist and owner of Westmount Place Pharmacy in Waterloo, says he is experiencing similar situations at his location.

"We're receiving I would say three to 400 phone calls a day regarding second dose of Pfizer vaccine, which is what we're doing at our pharmacy," he said.

The demand to administer a second dose and some first doses to his patients, Mistry said, rose dramatically after the Ford government changed the vaccination eligibility Friday.

"Our waiting list after that announcement on Friday... shot up from 50 people up to 1,000 people in two to three days," he said.

"The demand is there; the vaccine supply is not there yet."

Organizations such as Vaccine Hunters Canada, Grindrod said, have been tremendously helpful with information the public needs in regards to vaccine rollouts. 

She also said the fact this volunteer group needs to step in and help shows the health system isn't as effective as people are expecting it to be.

"Vaccine Hunters Canada is a symptom of the problem," Grindrod told CBC News. 

"We have the vaccine Hunger Games, and we have a group of unpaid volunteers who coordinate and organize themselves and are really filling a gap in the system."