Quebec to offer additional COVID-19 boosters to priority groups this fall
The Quebec Health Ministry states it is ready to offer additional COVID-19 boosters to certain priority groups starting late summer to early fall, around the same time as the annual flu vaccine campaign.
This comes after a recommendation by the Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to the following groups:
- People aged 60 and older;
- People aged five and older living with chronic disease, are immunocompromised or on dialysis;
- Health care workers;
- Pregnant women;
- Adults living in remote areas.
The committee recommends these people get an additional COVID-19 shot even if they have already received one or two booster doses in the spring of 2022.
There must be a minimum interval of three months after the previous dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
The CIQ has also clarified the number of doses that constitute satisfactory immunity against COVID-19.
"The number of doses required for basic vaccination against COVID-19 varies according to age, medical history and history of confirmed infection," the committee notes. "For adults with no history of infection, a two-dose primary vaccination, followed by a booster dose, is the basic vaccination against COVID-19."
The CIQ notes this provides adequate protection against severe consequences "in the context of Omicron being the dominant variant. Subsequent doses will aim to restore immunity that may wane over time."
It notes COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered as part of periodic immunity-building campaigns and not based on the number of previous doses received or history of infection.
"If an individual has received the recommended doses for their baseline vaccination, they would only receive a booster dose if they are in one of the groups targeted for an immunity consolidation campaign,' the CIQ states.
The recommendation may be updated throughout the summer due to uncertainties regarding the circulation of influenza and COVID-19, as well as the effectiveness and availability of vaccines.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.