Tens of thousands of Quebec students still not vaccinated against COVID-19, some refusing altogether
Data from public health shows 30,000 high school students in Montreal have yet to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while others are flat out refusing to get it.
These are the latest findings in a report that oversees vaccination rates for every high school on the Island of Montreal. The vaccine is only available for those aged 12 and up.
At some schools, less than a quarter of the student body has been inoculated. With just a month to go before the start of the next academic year, officials say they're worried.
As of July 19, Marie-Claire Academy in Kirkland is boasting 100 per cent of its students have received at least one dose -- but that's just 18 students.
West Island College's English section is also reporting a high vaccination rate among students, with 92.5 per cent receiving at least one dose.
However, Yeshiva Academy states just 16 per cent of its students have received a first shot, while Mesivta School has just under 13 per cent and Belz Community High School's English section has 6.6 per cent.
Public health officials state they intend to contact thousands of students who have yet to be vaccinated to give them information and help them get an appointment if they want one.
They say they've already spoken to about 2,000 students, with 30 per cent wanting to be inoculated and 15 per cent saying they absolutely do not want the vaccine.
The Quebec government states that in order for things to go back to normal ahead of the upcoming academic year, it needs 75 per cent of students to be vaccinated.
Right now, in Montreal, just 19 per cent of people between the ages of 12 and 17 are fully vaccinated; province-wide that number is 26 per cent.
Public health says it plans on opening a vaccination clinic this weekend at La Ronde to encourage more young people to get their shot.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.