Albertans struggling to access up-to-date vaccination records in province's app
Technical issues on the MyHealth Records app is making it a challenge for some Albertans to prove they’re vaccinated against COVID-19.
In lieu of a provincial vaccine card or passport announced in B.C., Manitoba and Quebec, the province is encouraging Albertans to use the app to access their immunization records. But some people are encountering problems with the program.
"It was only showing we had one vaccine. I said, 'But we had the second one weeks ago,'" said Anne Abbott. "It wasn't up to date."
An Edmonton pharmacist says she's not the only one: Several people have called the Terwillegar Pharmacy asking about their incomplete vaccination records.
"They were checking, 'Did you really upload the information? Can I have proof the information was uploaded?'" Mohamed Elfishawi said.
Elfishawi says when a person gets vaccinated at his pharmacy the information is automatically uploaded to the province's Netcare system, where Albertans' medical information is entered and stored.
One concerned person had their first dose at the Terwillegar Pharmacy and their second at an immunization clinic. Neither COVID-19 immunization showed up on their MyHealth Records app.
Elfishawi checked Netcare and it showed the patient had been double vaccinated, but that information still hasn't shown up on their MyHealth Records app.
"I think it's an overload in the system, I don't think it's something that's intentional," said Elfishawi. "Maybe it's a glitch, maybe they're working on it."
A notice on the app says it's experiencing technical issues and some information may not be up to date.
In a statement Alberta Health said it is "investigating records individually and working to secure more resources to make immunization record inquiries more timely. We understand how important it is for Albertans to have appropriate access to their immunization records right now."
Alberta Health added it will soon be possible for Albertans to print a paper card with their vaccination record.
Ottawa recently announced all Canadians will need proof of vaccination in order to board a commercial plane or train by the end of October.
- Vaccine passports for foreign travel expected this fall
- Unvaccinated? Here are some of the things that are off-limits to you in Canada
The Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, will be a requirement for people over 12 to enter Rogers Place and says the records found on the MyHealth Records app are suitable as proof.
Multiple people have said the app is working smoothly while others have reported delays and hurdles even creating an account.
Abbott says she would prefer what Manitoba and B.C. are doing.
"I don't understand why the government isn't saying, 'of course you should have a card.'''
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Dan Grummett.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.