Quebecers with compromised immune systems can now get a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
Quebecers with compromised immune systems and those undergoing dialysis can now get a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The announcement came just hours after the province’s Public Health Institute (INSPQ) recommended measures be taken to better protect immunocompromised people.
“This additional dose should be considered as a reinforcement of the basic vaccination and not as a booster dose,” read a statement published by the INSPQ.
Immunocompromised people often “do not respond to the first two doses due to a medical condition that affects their immune system,” according to Committee on Immunization of Quebec President Dr. Nicholas Brousseau.
He says those needing a third shot should get it at least four weeks after their second.
The updated measures only affect about one to two per cent of the population, according to the Institute.
While the Institute says there is limited data surrounding the safety of administering more than two shots, it says “no serious adverse reactions” have been reported among immunosuppressed people during trials.
On the contrary, the Institute wrote that “people with an immune deficiency resulting in a poorer response to vaccines” experience fewer and less-intense reactions after getting their shot than people with normal immune systems.
While it remains unknown exactly how much a third shot would benefit them, the INSPQ says that it’s “highly likely” that immunocompromised people will be better protected with an additional shot.
As for what kind of shot should be used, the INSPQ says mRNA vaccines (such as Pfizer and Moderna) are preferred over viral-vector shots, such as AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson.
An mRNA shot should be used even if the patient has already received two viral-vector doses.
This is a developing story.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behaviour on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump's company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.