Quebec Well being Minister Christian Dubé introduced Tuesday the province is opening up appointments for these aged 70 and over who need a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Whereas Well being Canada permitted the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot for all adults aged 18 and over, Dubé mentioned the province’s immunization committee is recommending its use just for these aged 70 and over.
“This suggestion relies on the truth that the vaccine safety tends to lower barely in folks aged 80 and over,” Dubé mentioned.
He indicated that the booster shot wasn’t obligatory, however moderately for many who want it.
Dubé mentioned 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 essential.
“We’ve no proof of diminished immunity on this giant group,” he mentioned.
The one exception will probably be for individuals who obtained two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“Specialists are recommending a booster with an mRNA vaccine, so Pfizer or Moderna, for max safety,” Dubé mentioned, stressing the protection and efficacy of all vaccines.
“I need 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 folks aged 75 and over, after which on Nov. 23 for these 70 and over.
Folks 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 attempting to order an appointment.
Booster photographs had been already being provided within the province’s long-term care properties and seniors residences and Dubé mentioned the marketing campaign must be over mid-November.
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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 probably be able to go as quickly because it will get the inexperienced mild.
Thus far, 79.5 per cent of the whole 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 of adequately vaccinated.
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