(Quebec) After receiving the green light from the Committee on Immunization of Quebec (CIQ), the Legault government authorizes the administration of the booster dose in 12 to 17 year olds. The CIQ recommends that a third dose of vaccine be given to adolescents at “higher risk of complications from COVID-19”.
Posted at 8:38
The CIQ recommends that adolescents who are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 roll up their sleeves for a third time. Young people living in closed collective settings “should also get this booster dose given the particularly high risk of transmission”, writes the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
That said, the CIQ considers that the booster dose can be offered “to all” young people aged 12 to 17 who have no contraindications and who would like to obtain additional protection. Teenagers will be able to make an appointment on the Clic Santé platform from Saturday, February 19.
The CIQ’s recommendation is based on currently available data and is “consistent” with that of the federal National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
According to the Quebec committee, as in adults, studies in adolescents show a decrease in protection against infection over time. “A booster dose is expected to bring about greater vaccine efficacy in young people aged 12 to 17, and this, in the short term, against new variants, including Omicron,” writes the MSSS.
The booster dose should be given three months or more after the second dose of vaccine. For young people who have contracted the virus, the recommendations in force remain the same. So, “if this dose is not necessary, a person can, if they wish, receive a booster dose, after informed consent has been expressed”, indicates the ministry.
The CIQ nevertheless recommends respecting an interval of three months after infection to receive a third dose of vaccine. In addition, the CIQ maintains its recommendation to use the Pfizer vaccine in this age group, due to a slightly lower risk of developing complications (myocarditis) after vaccination.
The vaccination campaign has slowed considerably lately, particularly due to the lack of enthusiasm for the third dose. While 87% of people aged 60 and over have received their booster dose, few of the youngest adults do the same. A month after the opening of the booster vaccination to their age group, barely 29% of 18 to 24 year olds have taken up the challenge for a third time.
With Pierre-André Normandin