Quebec to start vaccinating those under five years old as of Monday
Posted July 21, 2022 7:00 am.
Last Updated July 21, 2022 6:47 pm.
Quebec’s public health director says the province is on its way to a plateau in COVID hospitalizations – amid rising number of patients and infections in the seventh wave. And ready to vaccinate those under five years old.
Dr. Luc Boileau holding a press conference on Thursday in Montreal to update the situation, adding that people need to adhere to isolating guidelines if they have the virus. And reminding that “the virus is contagious for 10 days.”
“It’s not the time with COVID to go party and to festivals.”
Quebec adding 20 more COVID deaths in the last 24 hours and hospitalizations rose by 53 patients.
The latest data shows the province is dealing with 550 active outbreaks and 7,349 health care workers are absent from the system due to the virus.
The public health director saying it’s been a difficult period for health staff because the virus is so contagious that people who arrive at the hospital for other ailments end up catching COVID.
Public health officials are not recommending new COVID-19 restrictions despite high levels of community transmission across the province.
Premier François Legault told reporters earlier on Thursday that although COVID-19 hospitalizations have surpassed 2,100, there are fewer patients in hospital with the disease compared with previous waves.
But he is suggesting Quebecers nonetheless avoid visiting the province’s “overloaded” emergency rooms except for serious medical problems, because many health-care workers are off sick with COVID-19 or on vacation.
Moderna to vaccinate those under five
He also announced that the province plans to begin offering the Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 for children aged six months to five years old next week. And Dr. Boileau confirming that that will start as of Monday. A total of 70,000 doses have been shipped to Quebec.
“Good news for children and their parents,” said Dr. Boileau. “Health Canada has approved the use of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine in children six months to five years of age. For children older than five we recommend Pfizer, but Moderna can also work.”
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“The virus has obviously evolved, and it’s much more contagious, but luckily it appears not to be more dangerous and does not contribute to more deaths. Vaccination also has a lot to do with that,” said Dr. Boileau.
If you were infected and it’s been three months, and six months ago you got your last shot, Dr. Boileau urging people to get their boosters.
Dr. Nicholas Brousseau, a medical specialist at the INSPQ and president of Quebec’s immunization committee (CIQ) says that a wider campaign in the fall for immunizations is being planned and worked out.
Tried and true precautions
Dr. Boileau reminded everyone to return to the basics. To keep a distance from others as much as possible, to wash their hands, and to wear a mask to protect themselves and others. To isolate if they are exhibiting symptoms.
“The virus remains contagious for 10 days. Not five days, 10 days. You may get a negative test 6-7 days after becoming sick and that indicates that you are less contagious, but you remain contagious and it’s important to remain vigilant,” says Dr. Boileau.
He acknowledged that, in the middle of summer, it can be hard to remain so cautious.
“I know people want to move on to other things, but the virus is here and is still circulating,” he said.
He also urged those who are vulnerable and may need a booster, to get one.
Latest data
15,834 fatalities total since the pandemic began.
2,110 people being treated in hospital – but 714 of those admitted because of COVID-19 symptoms, the rest tested positive after being hospitalized for other ailments. 240 new entries and 187 discharges.
Of those, 59 in ICU, including 30 specifically for COVID and the rest testing positive after being admitted. ICU patients increasing by two – with 12 new entries and 10 released.
A total of 2,149 new infections in the last 24 hours, with 698 tests self-declared by Quebecers who were positive. The overall case numbers likely an undercount as access to PCR tests is limited to specific groups and not everyone self-declare their rapid tests.
Vaccination rates
-56 per cent of those eligible have gotten a third dose, with 1,648 boosters administered in the last 24 hours
-17 per cent of those eligible have gotten a fourth shot, with 10,089 doses of the second booster administered in the last 24 hours
-12K+ doses administered last 24 hours, 20M+ total so far
