Québec Minister of Health and Social Services Christian Dubé, has announced that vaccination against COVID-19 in Québec began today. Senior residents and workers from the Maimonides Donald Berman Geriatric Center (CHSLD), in Montréal, and the Saint-Antoine Shelter, in the Québec City region, were the very first people to receive the vaccine.
Starting during the week of December 21, vaccinations will take place in more than 20 locations in Québec. In each of the establishments, as is the case in the two CHSLDs targeted today, medical teams will be on site to administer the vaccines and ensure the necessary clinical follow-up.
“After several trying months, we can rejoice today. The start of vaccination is a milestone that we have all been looking forward to. We have finally reached a pivotal moment in the fight we are waging together against the virus. With the worrying increase in outbreaks in recent weeks, the vaccination of priority clienteles is becoming increasingly important. I thank all those who contribute to the efforts,” said Dubé.
The start of vaccinations does not mean the end of health measures. Several months will be needed to immunize a sufficiently large part of the population.
This first delivery of the vaccine will allow a first dose to be administered to 4,875 people in the coming days. Depending on the doses that Québec will receive, it is planned to vaccinate up to 650,000 people by April 1.
COVID-19 vaccines are subject to the same quality and safety standards as any other vaccine used in Canada. Canada and Québec have a very complete system to ensure the safety of vaccines after they are marketed. Each report of an unusual side effect is reviewed by experts to quickly identify any safety concerns.
