Vaccine costs for COVID-19 no longer covered universally during fall season
Quebec to Focus Fall Vaccination Campaign on Vulnerable Groups, Charges Apply for Rest
Starting this fall, Quebec will shift its COVID-19 vaccination strategy, focusing on specific vulnerable groups while charging for vaccines for the rest of the population. The Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) has recommended this approach to achieve optimal coverage.
The recommended groups for free vaccinations during the fall campaign include people aged 75 and over, residents of CHSLDs, RPAs, and other vulnerable settings, immunocompromised individuals or those with a chronic illness, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and adults living in remote and isolated regions.
For the rest of the population, charges will apply. The estimated cost of a dose is around $100, with the total bill including administration reaching $150 to $180 in a pharmacy. It's important to note that the flu vaccine will remain free for all.
The decision follows the end of federal funding for COVID-19 vaccines, announced in January, making provinces responsible for purchasing doses themselves. The Quebec government's move has received mixed reactions, with the Quebec Solidaire party condemning Legault's "declarations of war."
The recommendation to offer free vaccinations to specific groups was made by a public health organization, although the specific organization's name was not found in the provided search results. Last year, appointment booking for seniors began in early October, and the launch date and modalities of the vaccination campaign will be announced soon.
As of September 9, 373 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, compared to 1,682 at the same time last year. Despite a decrease in hospitalizations, COVID-19 continues to circulate actively in Quebec, with a rate of nearly 9% for the week of September 7, according to the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ).
On a separate note, the British royal diplomacy is under scrutiny for receiving former U.S. President Trump again in royal splendor. However, this fact is not directly related to the current vaccination campaign in Quebec.
In a separate development, Health Canada has approved updated versions of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, targeting the Omicron LP.8.1 variant. These updated vaccines are approved for anyone aged six months and older.
As always, it's crucial to stay informed and follow public health guidelines to protect yourself and others during these challenging times.
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