COVID-19: Quebec to start vaccinating children aged 12 to 17 by end of school year

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Quebec is widening its COVID-19 immunization campaign to include adolescents aged 12 to 17, the province’s health minister said Thursday.

Christian Dubé announced the measure one day after Health Canada Pfizer-BioNTech authorized vaccine for children 12 and up.

The goal is to offer a first dose to that age group by the end of school year.

“It’s very good news,” he told reporters, adding that teams are preparing for the eventual rollout.

READ MORE: Quebec looking to unveil a pandemic reopening plan like Saskatchewan

Dubé says that as of Thursday, a total of 40 per cent of eligible Quebecers have received a first shot.

The latest announcement comes as the province gradually lowers the age of vaccine eligibility and has promised to open appointments to all adults by the middle of May.

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The government’s goal is to give a first dose to anyone over the age of 18 by June 24.

With files from The Canadian Press

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