DFrom January 3, several thousand vaccines will be available for health workers in close contact with users in CHSLDs as well as in hospitals, including the CHU de Québec and the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec ( IUCPQ). Caregivers may also receive a dose “as provided for in the directive,” specifies Mélanie Otis, spokesperson for the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, via email.
Despite the postponement of appointments, the citizens concerned will receive their second injection within “the time limits prescribed by public health in order to ensure maximum immunization coverage”.
“Remember that the second dose remains important and above all it allows long-term protection. […] Rapid vaccination of all priority groups can significantly reduce the significant impacts of COVID-19, especially in severe cases, and protect network workers who are essential to the delivery of health services. ” , adds Ms. Otis.
According to the results of scientific studies by Pfizer and Moderna, the first dose of the serum, fourteen days after the injection, would be 90% effective.
This update of CIUSSS procedures follows the government announcement concerning the change in Quebec’s vaccination strategy so that “vaccines received in Quebec, over the next few weeks, [soient] used in such a way as to immunize as many people as possible within priority groups. “
The decision was notably based on a recommendation made by the Quebec Immunization Committee of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ).
Since several deliveries are also ensured during the coming weeks, Pfizer no longer considers that it is necessary to keep half of the doses in reserve, recalls the CIUSSS.
