Quebec will start vaccinating the general public for COVID-19 next week

Feb 23 2021, 7:03 pm

As of next week, Quebec will begin giving the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public.

Being the first prioritized group in the general public, Quebecers aged 85 and older will be able to get the shots starting next week.

At a press conference from the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, Quebec Premier François Legault said the announcement is “great news” for the province and said, “We see light at the end of the tunnel.”

Legault said in a few weeks, all vulnerable people will be vaccinated across the province and said that while encouraging, it will “take some weeks before the vaccine has its full impact.”

Legault said the vaccines will be administered throughout the Montreal metropolitan area first and stressed that citizens need to remain prudent “because of the new variants.”

Quebec citizens over 85 will be able to book an appointment for the vaccine as of this coming Thursday, February 25.

“This is great news because the COVID-19 vaccine is our best hope to win this battle,” continued Legault. “Vaccinating Quebec means we will beat this virus.”

Legault said public health has already vaccinated all long-term care homes (CHSLDs) around the province and said that Quebec is witnessing “almost no more deaths in CHSLDs”

He said vaccinating half of the people living in senior homes should conclude by the end of this workweek and stated that nearly 200,000 healthcare workers have already been vaccinated.

“There’s hope, but the battle is not yet over. It takes three weeks for the vaccine to have its full effects, so we must remain careful.”

Quebec public health says after citizens over 85 have been vaccinated, the rest of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is as follows:

  • People 70 to 79 years of age
  • People 60 to 69 years of age
  • Adults under 60 years of age who have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications of COVID‑19
  • Adults under 60 years of age who do not have a chronic disease or health problem that increases the risk of complications, but who provide essential services and have contact with users
  • The rest of the adult population

Santé Quebec says “vaccination of children and pregnant women will be determined based on future studies on vaccine safety and efficacy in these people.”

The COVID‑19 vaccine is free and will be distributed by the Québec Immunization Program. (Doses are not available on the private market.)

Legault said numbers could “change vary quickly” and warned that the COVID-19 variant is very dangerous and even more contagious.

He says public health is “worried” about March Break and says everyone must avoid gatherings to prevent the third wave.

“We must continue our efforts,” concluded Legault, “I’m counting on all of you.”

Ty JadahTy Jadah

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT