Quebec's January COVID-19 death toll caused by delay in booster shots: experts
January isn't over yet, but with 1,144 deaths due to COVID-19 so far in Quebec, it is already considered the fifth deadliest month since the pandemic began.
Two health experts say the high number of deaths is due, in part, to the slow pace of Quebec's campaign to provide booster doses to people aged 70 and older living outside institutional care.
"I feel there are a considerable number of deaths and hospitalizations that could have been avoided if we had given the third dose earlier," said Dr. Quoc Dinh Nguyen, a gerontologist at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal.
As of Jan. 21, about 87 per cent of COVID-19-related deaths in the previous 28 days were among people 70 years and older.
Unlike previous waves, most of those who died were living at home rather than in long-term care homes or private seniors' residences.
In addition, of those 70 years and older who died in the current wave, 22 per cent were unvaccinated, but 34.7 per cent had received a third dose of vaccine more than seven days prior.
The Quebec Health Ministry reports 76 per cent of Quebecers aged 60 and older have received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 94 per cent have received two.
Dr. Donald Vinh, an infectious diseases specialist at the McGill University Health Centre, points out this month's statistics -- fewer deaths in long-term care facilities, but more in the community -- are a result of the delay in administering the third dose in Quebec.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 26, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.