Everything You Need To Know About Quebec's Plan To Start Vaccinating Adults 18+ In May
In a press conference on April 29, Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that the province would be opening COVID-19 vaccine appointments to the province's entire adult population aged 18 and older.
Here's what you need to know about the vaccine rollout that's scheduled to happen over the course of the next few weeks.
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Seven age groups on the calendar
The province is separating the general population into seven age groups. Beginning on April 30, a new age group will be eligible to make a vaccine appointment every couple of days.
Since the province prioritized Quebecers who were most vulnerable to COVID-19 — including the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with disabilities — general population vaccination begins with Quebecers aged 50 to 59.
As you can see from the calendar...
- Quebecers aged 50-59 can make an appointment on April 30
- Quebecers aged 45-49 can make an appointment on May 3
- Quebecers aged 40-44 can make an appointment on May 5
- Quebecers aged 35-39 can make an appointment on May 7
- Quebecers aged 30-34 can make an appointment on May 10
- Quebecers aged 25-29 can make an appointment on May 12
- Quebecers aged 18-24 can make an appointment on May 14
A different order of vaccination is being followed in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Nord-du-Québec, Nunavik and Terres-Cries-de-la-Baie-James regions since they belong to the priority group of isolated and remote communities.
Reaching the June 24 goal
Quebec aims to provide the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 75% of its population by June 24.
Here's a breakdown of the progress the province is already making toward achieving its goal in each age range due to priority groupings.
Quebecers aged 50 to 59: The province has given vaccine doses to 55% of its target.
Quebecers aged 45 to 49: The province has given vaccine doses to 40% of its target.
Quebecers aged 40 to 44: The province has given vaccine doses to 23% of its target.
Quebecers aged 35 to 39: The province has given vaccine doses to 20% of its target.
Quebecers aged 30 to 34: The province has given vaccine doses to 18% of its target.
Quebecers aged 25 to 29: The province has given vaccine doses to 17% of its target.
Quebecers aged 18 to 24: The province has given vaccine doses to 14% of its target.
Potential for drive-by vaccination
Quebec's vaccine chief and head of the CISSS de Chaudière-Appalaches, Daniel Paré, said the province wants to provide young people with innovative ways to access vaccines.
In particular, Paré said the province is looking at providing vaccines to drivers in their cars, as well as extending vaccine appointment hours — particularly in Montreal and metropolitan areas.
How to book a vaccine appointment
You can book an appointment using the Clic Santé website, or by calling one of the phone numbers listed here.
You can also hunt down same-day or next-day appointments using Vaxstat.ca.
Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on the vaccines and can answer any questions you may have. Click here for more information.