Quebec to Restructure COVID-19 Vaccination Program for Fall Rollout
Quebec’s COVID-19 vaccination program will undergo changes this fall, with free vaccines no longer offered to all residents. Dr. Luc Boileau, the province’s public health director, confirmed that while the vaccines will remain free for high-risk groups, others may need to pay for them.
The eligible groups for free vaccination include immunocompromised individuals, those aged 65 and older, individuals on dialysis, residents of long-term care facilities, healthcare workers, and pregnant individuals. Vulnerable populations will have priority access, while the remaining doses will be available for others, potentially at a cost.
The Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires indicated that vaccine doses could cost between $150 and $180 for those not in the prioritized groups.
Marie-Pierre Blier from the Ministry of Health and Social Services explained that the vaccination guidelines are based on recommendations from the Quebec Immunization Committee, considering the reduced vaccine supply from the federal government. The focus remains on protecting vulnerable individuals from severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Dr. Boileau emphasized that as much of the population has developed immunity over the years, general public vaccination is no longer recommended. With Quebec no longer receiving free vaccine supplies from the federal government, the province is reevaluating its vaccine needs for the future.
