MONTREAL -- As vaccinations for COVID-19 ramp up, more and more Montrealers can expect to roll up their sleeves soon and get a shot. Here’s what you need to know.

WHO CAN GET VACCINATED RIGHT NOW?

As of May 13, all Quebecers 18 and older are eligible to book an appointment for their first dose of the vaccine. The province is shifting its mass vaccination campaign to make vaccines available to the general public gradually after previously only limiting the doses to vulnerable populations in the first phase of the roll-out.

WHEN DO I GET MY SECOND DOSE?

Health-care professionals will confirm the date of your second dose of the vaccine after administering the first shot.

However, on June 3 Quebec announced it will shorten the wait times between first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and will let residents reschedule their appointments for their second doses earlier if they wish to do so.

On a gradual basis residents can visit Clic Santé, the Quebec COVID-19 vaccination campaign website, and choose their date for a second dose on specific dates depending on thier age. After rebooking their appointment, they will be able to cancel their original appointment for the second dose. 

Here is the schedule for when people will be eiligble to change their second dose appointments, based on age:

  • June 7: 80 and older
  • June 8: 75 and older
  • June 9: 70 and older
  • June 10: 65 and older
  • June 11: 60 and older
  • June 14: 55 and older
  • June 15: 50 and older
  • June 16: 45 and older
  • June 17: 40 and older
  • June 18: 35 and older
  • June 21: 30 and older
  • June 22: 25 and older
  • June 23: 18 and older

HOW WILL I FIND OUT WHEN I CAN RECEIVE THE VACCINE?

The province is announcing when each new phase of the vaccine roll-out is beginning. Each group will hear in the news when it’s their turn.

WHERE DO I SIGN UP?

People can sign up for a vaccine appointment on Clic-Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545.

The phone line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING?

For most vaccines, appointments are mandatory in order to receive a shot. However, the province has in the past offered doses to people without an appointment at select vaccination centres, such as the Palais des congres in downtown Montreal and the Montreal airport.  

The vaccine is free to recieve, and you do not need a Quebec health-care card to get a dose, though if you do have a card you must use it.

WHO HAS ALREADY GOTTEN THE VACCINE?

Vaccinations started in late 2020 for front-line health care workers and residents in long-term care homes, as well as those in isolated communities.

COVID-19 vaccinations in Quebec started in mid-December, with the first shot administered to an 89-year-old resident in the St-Antoine CHSLD.

As of June 3, Quebec reached its target of vaccinating 75 per cent of the adult population with one dose, which was three weeks ahead of schedue. As of June 4, health-care professionals have administred 5.9 million first and second doses to Quebecers.   

WHERE ARE THE VACCINES BEING DISTRIBUTED?

The shots are being given out at mass vaccination centres set up across Montreal and the province. As of March 22, more than 300 pharmacies in Montreal are offering vaccination appointments to eligble residents. Visit the Quebec COVID-19 vaccination campaign website or call 1-877-644-4545 for more information. 

For now, vaccinations are not being administered during home visits. People have to visit a designated vaccination site to get their shot until in-home vaccinations have been made available. 

When making your appointment, the booking website or the person answering the booking phone line will use your postal code to determine which site is closest to you, or they may be able to book you at a site of your choice.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY APPOINTMENT?

If you have a medicare card, you will need it when you book your appointment and when you show up to receive the vaccine. People who do not have a medicare card are asked to bring another form of ID. 

You should also bring a list of medications you take and discuss them with the health care provider.

HOW CAN I GET TO MY VACCINATION SITE?

People who require assistance can call the vaccine campaign phone number at 1-877-644-4545. 

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

You can find information about the province’s vaccine plan by visiting the campaign website or by calling 1-877-644-4545.