Why uptake in COVID boosters is lagging in Quebec — and why that matters – CBC

Experts say abrupt policy changes, new vaccine sowing reluctance to get boosted

Aug 18, 2022

When COVID-19 vaccinations were first made available in Quebec back in December 2020, thousands of Quebecers waited eagerly for a chance to roll up their sleeve and benefit from the protection against the virus the vaccine afforded.

But more than a year and a half later, as Quebec announced that a fifth dose will be made available to all adults by the end of August, experts say few people will be quick to line up for it.

In fact, provincial data shows a waning interest in all COVID-19 boosters over the past few months. According to Quebec’s Health Ministry, only 56 per cent of the total eligible population has received a third shot — or their first booster dose. That number has remained unchanged for a month.

Only 19 per cent of the total eligible population has received a fourth dose — the vast majority of whom are aged 60 and over.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/uptake-in-covid-booster-lagging-quebec-1.6553583