Waterloo sticking with its own COVID-19 vaccination portal as Ontario’s launches

The Ontario government launched its COVID-19 vaccine online booking system on Monday and the queue was quickly filled up with more than 8,000 people waiting to book an appointment.

But those who live in Waterloo Region should avoid the cue as Waterloo Public Health says it is sticking with its own booking system for the immediate future.

“The Province has asked communities that already had booking systems in place to continue to use their local system to alleviate expected pressure on the provincial system,” Waterloo Regional Police deputy chief Shirley Hilton stated.

The head of the region’s COVID-19 vaccination task force went on to say, “we will continue to use the Region’s booking system for the immediate future and will work with the Province in the days and weeks ahead.”

2:05 Ontario to launch online and phone portal to book COVID-19 vaccines

A spokesperson for Waterloo Public Health told Global News that anyone who attempts to use the provincial system will be redirected to the local one.

Those looking to pre-register for an appointment will need to either use the COVID-19 Pre-registration Form or call the Service First Call Centre: 519-575-4400.

Residents will then select how they want to be contacted regarding the next steps, but should heed the region’s warning that it could take up to four to six weeks to get a response.

The region is requesting that those who have preregistered to not call to check on the status of their appointment.