COVID-19: Quebec expands booster shot vaccinations, including those 70 and over

Quebec Well being Minister Christian Dubé introduced Tuesday the province is opening up appointments for these aged 70 and over who desire a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Whereas Well being Canada authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot for all adults aged 18 and over, Dubé stated the province’s immunization committee is recommending its use just for these aged 70 and over.

“This advice is predicated on the truth that the vaccine safety tends to lower barely in individuals aged 80 and over,” Dubé stated.

He indicated that the booster shot wasn’t obligatory, however fairly for individuals who want it.

Dubé stated that in the meanwhile, the province doesn’t plan on extending its supply of a booster shot to youthful age teams as a result of it’s not needed.

“We’ve got no proof of diminished immunity on this massive group,” he stated.

The one exception will likely be for individuals who obtained two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“Consultants are recommending a booster with an mRNA vaccine, so Pfizer or Moderna, for max safety,” Dubé stated, stressing the security and efficacy of all vaccines.

“I wish to reassure the inhabitants, it’s not as a result of there may be fear concerning the Astra Zeneca, it’s actually simply to make sure longer safety.”

Reserving for appointments begins on Nov. 16 for these 80 and over, then on Nov. 18 for individuals aged 75 and over, after which on Nov. 23 for these 70 and over.

Individuals having obtained two doses of AstraZeneca can begin reserving their mRNA booster photographs as of Nov. 25.

Dubé warned, nonetheless, {that a} six-month interval is required between the final dose and the booster shot and that individuals ought to observe the right delay earlier than making an attempt to order an appointment.

Booster photographs have been already being provided within the province’s long-term care houses and seniors residences and Dubé stated the marketing campaign must be over mid-November.

As for vaccinating youngsters between the ages of 5 and 11, Quebec remains to be awaiting Well being Canada approval of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine.

Dubé, nonetheless, reiterated that Quebec will likely be able to go as quickly because it will get the inexperienced gentle.

Thus far, 79.5 per cent of the overall inhabitants of Quebec has obtained not less than one dose of vaccine. That quantity climbs to 90.8 per cent for these aged 12 and over who’re eligible to be vaccinated, whereas 88.2 per cent are thought-about adequately vaccinated.

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Making ready younger youngsters to obtain COVID-19 vaccines

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