Quebec bumps up booster COVID-19 shot for adults undergoing dialysis, cancer treatments

0
208

Quebec is bumping up the booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine for people who are severely immunocompromised or undergoing certain medical treatments.

The Health Ministry announced the decision Wednesday morning on the heels of advice from the province’s immunization committee.

Under the plan, Quebecers who meet certain criteria will be able to get their second dose 28 days after their first shot — instead of 16 weeks later.

The new directive applies to adults who are undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy and those with severe kidney disease who require dialysis.

READ MORE: COVID-19: Legault says Quebec headed in ‘right direction’

It also includes some people who have undergone a heart, lung, kidney or stem cell transplant. Quebecers who receive high doses of corticosteroids or other very strong immunocompromised drugs may also be eligible.

Story continues below advertisement

The Health Ministry says local health authorities will directly contact those who are affected by the change to book their appointments.

Over the course of its campaign, the province has administered more than 3.8 million doses — the majority of which have been first shots.

Vaccination is gradually opening to the general population, with registration set to open to all adults by the end of the week.

READ MORE: Quebec tops 11,000 deaths linked to COVID-19 pandemic

Health Minister Christian Dubé says more than 233,000 appointments were booked Tuesday after the age requirement dropped to anyone 25 and older.

“Now is the time to break records and join forces in this battle,” he wrote on social media. “We will win together.”

The government has set a goal of giving a first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to any adult who wants one by June 24.

Meanwhile, the province has provided both doses to all residents in long-term care homes, which were hard hit by the pandemic. The next priority is to do the same in private seniors’ residences.

— with files from the Canadian Press

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.