COVID-19 vaccine appointments now open to Quebec children aged 5 to 11
Parents and guardians of Quebec children aged five to 11 can now book their kids' COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
To do so, people are invited to go on the Clic-Santé website and select "Vaccin COVID-19 5 à 11 ans" on the platform.
The Quebec government states it will reveal the details of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children in this age group on Tuesday afternoon.
According to Health Canada, the vaccine designated for young children has a smaller dosage than for older kids and adults, as they generally have stronger immune systems.
"In clinical trials, lower doses provided children with very good protection against COVID-19," Health Canada noted. "It’s not clear yet how long protection will last."
A second dose of vaccine must be administered at least eight weeks after the first.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé says he plans to have as many of the province's 700,000 children vaccinated with at least one dose by Christmas -- but they will not be subject to the vaccine passport rule.
"That is not our objective. We'll focus on vaccinating children," he said. "At this age, we assume they will be accompanied by their parents and we have to keep it simple."
He notes the vaccine will be offered in both schools and vaccination centres so parents can accompany their children.
A recent survey from Quebec's Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) found that a significant percentage of parents remain unsure if they will allow their children to get the vaccine.
According to the survey, taken between Oct. 29 and Nov. 10, 42 per cent of parents say they would absolutely give their children the vaccine, 19 per cent say they are pretty sure, seven per cent say they are mildly against the idea, 21 per cent are absolutely against and 11 per cent are unsure.
Canada is expected to receive 2.9 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine for children, with the first shipment having already arrived in Halifax, NS. last Sunday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.