Quebec to End Free COVID-19 vaccines for General Population
Quebec will no longer offer free COVID-19 vaccines to the general population starting this fall, following a similar decision made by Alberta in August. The Quebec Ministry of Health based this decision on the advice of the province’s immunization committee at the Quebec Public Health Institute.
Officials cite widespread exposure to the virus and resulting immunity within the healthy adult population as justification for the change. Dr. Luc Boileau, National Director of Public Health of Quebec, explained that the risk of complications from infection is now ”very, very low” for those not considered high-risk.
though, free vaccination will continue to be available for specific groups, including individuals with chronic diseases, those over 65, healthcare workers, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised people, and residents of isolated regions. Dr. Boileau indicated that if vaccine doses remain after prioritizing these groups, they may become available to the general public at no cost.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that vaccination remains a personal decision based on individual risk factors, and they do not discourage it. The decision was also influenced by the federal government’s decision to discontinue funding for provincial and territorial COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, a move officials anticipated as a temporary measure related to the pandemic.
Vaccination in quebec is expected to begin in October. The province will continue to offer free flu vaccines this fall.
Other provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova scotia, currently maintain their cost-covered vaccination plans. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Health, Michelle Thompson, stated that their program remains unchanged for the current year.
The cost of a COVID-19 vaccine dose in Quebec pharmacies is expected to range between $150 and $180, depending on the pharmacy.Alberta reported approximately 401,000 unused vaccine doses last year, resulting in an estimated $44 million loss. Like Quebec, Alberta continues to provide free vaccines to those most at risk, including individuals with health conditions and nursing staff.
With data from Keith Doucette, Matthew Scace and Hannah Alberga.
