Quebec is launching a new widespread COVID-19 vaccine booster campaign but there are no plans to bring back restrictions, the province’s premier said Tuesday.
François Legault made the announcement alongside Health Minister Christian Dubé and Luc Boileau, director of Quebec public health.
“We have to remain prudent,” he said, adding that the novel coronavirus is still present in the province.
The idea is for Quebecers to get a booster shot if it has been at least five months since their last dose. The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine starts to wean after that period, Legault said.
Under the plan, anyone who is 75 years and older can sign up for an additional dose starting Tuesday.
Appointments will then open up to those over the age of 60 starting next week. Anyone who is over the age of 18 will be able to sign up starting Aug. 29.
“Please go and get your vaccine for you, the people around you and to help the health-care workers,” Legault said.
The announcement comes as the start of the school years looms, but Legault told reporters that there are no plans to implement additional measures designed to stop the spread of the virus “for now.”
Boileau said they are concerned about COVID-19 indicators rising when students head back to class, but said “that’s why vaccination is being encouraged today.”
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