Primary Country (Mandatory)

United States

Other Country (Optional)

Set News Language for United States

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language[s] (Optional)
No other language available

Set News Language for World

Primary Language (Mandatory)
English
Other Language(s) (Optional)

Set News Source for United States

Primary Source (Mandatory)
CNN
Other Source[s] (Optional)

Set News Source for World

Primary Source (Mandatory)
AajTak
Other Source(s) (Optional)
  • Countries
    • India
    • United States
    • Qatar
    • Germany
    • China
    • Canada
    • World
  • Categories
    • National
    • International
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Special
    • All Categories
  • Available Languages for United States
    • English
  • All Languages
    • English
    • Hindi
    • Arabic
    • German
    • Chinese
    • French
  • Sources
    • India
      • AajTak
      • NDTV India
      • The Hindu
      • India Today
      • Zee News
      • NDTV
      • BBC
      • The Wire
      • News18
      • News 24
      • The Quint
      • ABP News
      • Zee News
      • News 24
    • United States
      • CNN
      • Fox News
      • Al Jazeera
      • CBSN
      • NY Post
      • Voice of America
      • The New York Times
      • HuffPost
      • ABC News
      • Newsy
    • Qatar
      • Al Jazeera
      • Al Arab
      • The Peninsula
      • Gulf Times
      • Al Sharq
      • Qatar Tribune
      • Al Raya
      • Lusail
    • Germany
      • DW
      • ZDF
      • ProSieben
      • RTL
      • n-tv
      • Die Welt
      • Süddeutsche Zeitung
      • Frankfurter Rundschau
    • China
      • China Daily
      • BBC
      • The New York Times
      • Voice of America
      • Beijing Daily
      • The Epoch Times
      • Ta Kung Pao
      • Xinmin Evening News
    • Canada
      • CBC
      • Radio-Canada
      • CTV
      • TVA Nouvelles
      • Le Journal de Montréal
      • Global News
      • BNN Bloomberg
      • Métro
Amazon Essentials Women's Heeled Sandals Buy Now
Cleaning Gel for Car, Tools, Laptop and Keyboard Cleaner Buy Now
Kate Spade Aviators Buy Now
VIZIO 32 inch D-Series Smart TV Buy Now
Small Crossbody Shoulder Bag for Women Buy Now
TNZZEET Leggings - High-Waisted Yoga Pants with Pockets Buy Now
Apple Watch Series 4 Buy Now
Casio MDV106 Diver's Watch Buy Now
Augusta Women's Wayfarer Shorts Buy Now
Meaningful Beauty Lifting Eye Crème Buy Now
Vintage Round Sunglasses for Women Buy Now
Smart Watch for Men (Answer/Make Calls) Buy Now
Wide Leg Yoga Pants with Pockets Buy Now
Alicegana Women's Bohemian Sandals Buy Now
SAMPEEL Women's Eyelet Tank Tops Buy Now
Mens Golf Pants Buy Now
Men's Shawl Collar Cardigans Buy Now
Fashion Wallet Chain Buy Now
Women's Wide Leg Pants with Pockets Buy Now
4-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box Buy Now
MoreBack to News Headlines
Why uptake in COVID boosters is lagging in Quebec — and why that matters

Why uptake in COVID boosters is lagging in Quebec — and why that matters

CBC
Thursday, August 18, 2022 8:59 AM GMT

When COVID-19 vaccinations were first made available in Quebec back in December 2020, thousands of Quebecers waited eagerly for a chance to roll up their sleeve and benefit from the protection against the virus the vaccine afforded. 

But more than a year and a half later, as Quebec announced that a fifth dose will be made available to all adults by the end of August, experts say few people will be quick to line up for it. 

In fact, provincial data shows a waning interest in all COVID-19 boosters over the past few months. According to Quebec's Health Ministry, only 56 per cent of the total eligible population has received a third shot — or their first booster dose. That number has remained unchanged for a month.

Only 19 per cent of the total eligible population has received a fourth dose — the vast majority of whom are aged 60 and over. 

While federal and provincial health officials have said the best defence against a potential eighth wave and severe illness from the virus is getting up to date with COVID-19 doses, experts say there are several reasons why Quebecers are holding off on getting their shots.

The chair of behavioural medicine at the Université du Québec à Montréal says the provincial government's failure to be transparent and manage people's expectations is one of them. 

"[The government] said, 'oh, you know, you're going to need two doses and that is the definition of fully vaccinated," said Kim Lavoie of the Health Ministry's messaging at the start of the pandemic. 

While the government has gone on to urge people — not unreasonably, according to Lavoie — to get more doses, she says this has led to confusion and mistrust over the benefits they provide. 

"I think that's what we're suffering from — from an impression that the government doesn't know what they're talking about because they keep making promises and changing the contract."

Lavoie says without concrete changes to the government's messaging, she worries Quebecers won't get their next booster dose — never mind their fifth.

Dr. Matthew Oughton, an infectious disease specialist at Montreal's Jewish General Hospital, says this slow uptake of booster shots is being seen across Canada. 

He expects this is due in part to people waiting to get Moderna's new bivalent vaccine, which was recently authorized for use in the U.K.  It is specifically designed to protect against the highly contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19 and is currently awaiting approval in Canada. It's unknown when it would be available. 

"I actually expect to see a big jump in demand once the bivalent boosters are actually available," he said, noting their stronger protection against the strain of virus that's currently circulating in the country. 

But is the average person, with no risks of severe complications from COVID-19, better off getting some protection now or waiting an indefinite period of time for more protection later?

Read full story on CBC
Share this story on:-
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running GamePlay Run 3, the ultimate space tunnel running game with 300+ challenging levels!Adv.
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing GameTraffic Jam 3D is a game where you’ll be driving through heavy traffic.Adv.
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic GamePlay the classic 1984 light gun shooter game Duck Hunt on your browser.Adv.
More Related News
Information sharing with Alberta has improved since Kearl tailings spills, says N.W.T. minister

The N.W.T.'s environment minister says communication with the Alberta government has improved since a pair of oil spills several years ago. 

Fentanyl seizures are up at the U.S. northern border — but Canada is still a very small player

The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows an uptick in the amount of fentanyl seized near the American northern border with Canada — but the quantities intercepted remain a tiny fraction of what's coming from Mexico.

Calgary Stampede: What the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth says about the economy

The purple toasted cob of corn shines under the afternoon sun as 25-year-old Allison Zhou lifts it up to show her friends on the opening day of the Calgary Stampede. It's ube-flavoured and covered in white and black sesame seeds. The cost? $15.

More and more influencers are offering financial advice on TikTok and YouTube. Should you take it?

If you've ever wondered how to navigate the stock market, build a budget or plan for retirement, your first stop might've once been a parent, a trusted friend or an advisor at the bank. 

Ontario group marks 40 years of keeping the history of Canada's WW II 'pilot maker' alive

For prospective young pilots intending to join the Allied effort during the Second World War, the Harvard was the ultimate training plane — but it also posed a key test. 

It's bananas: Churchill Park Music Festival books Gwen Stefani

There's no doubt that the Churchill Park Music Festival lineup is glittering with star power, with Gwen Stefani added as the latest headliner announced for the St. John's event.

3 dead in motorcycle crashes on N.S. highways this week

Three people have died in motorcycle crashes on Nova Scotia roads this week.

Topless Tuesday back on after liquor regulators force small N.B. resort to cancel event

In the lead-up to Hope Wellness Eco-Resort's first Topless Tuesday of this year, Katie Carson was surprised by a phone call she got from a man concerned about the event.

Man accused of running Canada's largest grandparent scam network arrested in Quebec

Gareth West, the alleged leader of a network of grandparent scammers accused of defrauding $30 million from American seniors, has been arrested.

Accessibility minister will keep her job after comments about sign-language interpreter: Manitoba premier

Premier Wab Kinew said Manitoba's accessibility minister will remain in her position after she apologized for swearing into a hot mic about sharing a stage with a sign-language interpreter.

Edmonton public hearing to resume next week, after heated city council exchange

Edmonton city council reluctantly voted to continue a public hearing next week — their vacation period — after Friday evening's debate led to swears being thrown.

CFIA confirms Prince Edward Island's 1st case of dermo, in oysters from Egmont Bay

Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab tests have confirmed the presence of the highly damaging mollusc disease dermo in oysters from P.E.I.'s Egmont Bay. 

City names laneway after Black woman who made difference to early Toronto

Toronto has officially named a laneway in the city's east end after a Black woman who made a big impact on her community in the early 1900s.

Parking Slot | Free Parking GamePlay Parking Slot, the best online 3D car driving and parking game.Adv.
Slope Ball Run - Play OnlineSlope Game takes you on an exciting journey of a ball on special paths.Adv.
Jonathan Toews's healing journey: From long COVID back to the NHL

Researchers working on treatments and cures for long COVID are closely watching newly signed Winnipeg Jets forward Jonathan Toews's healing journey — and his return to the NHL after two years away.

Fortis Canada Games Complex opens it doors ahead of summer event

Local athletes will have the chance to test out the facilities they will soon compete in during the 2025 Canada Games in St. John's.

Artist from Sudbury, Ont., takes on new challenge a year after brain surgery

More than a year after she had surgery following a brain aneurysm, Sudbury, Ont., artist Monique Legault says she's been keeping busy with her work.

Saga of Black Refugees who left N.S. 200 years ago shaped a Canadian trailblazer

When Rhonda McEwen received her official royal letter of appointment as an honorary captain of the Canadian navy in Halifax on June 21, it marked the latest chapter in her remarkable family history.

Woman charged with impaired driving after car crashes into Toronto restaurant

A woman has been charged with impaired driving after allegedly driving into a restaurant in Toronto early Saturday morning, police say. 

Ambulance response times improve in early months of Winnipeg's new 911 dispatch system

Ambulances are getting to life-threatening emergencies faster since the launch of a five-priority dispatch system around two months ago, according to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.

Sask.'s mortgage delinquency rate is highest among provinces, but it's getting worse in Ont. and B.C.

Tyler Fransen lost his Saskatoon home this spring after he missed mortgage payments due to financial circumstances and life situations that sent him over the tipping point.

New youth mental health centre planned for Fort McMurray

A youth mental health facility planned for construction in Fort McMurray hopes to provide services that many families in the community are currently forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to access. 

The chaos at Kamloops council continues as mayor's pursuit of forensic financial audit fails

The divide at Kamloops city council appears to be wider than ever following the recent defeat of a controversial motion put forward by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson to conduct a forensic audit of all city departments and management practices.

How this Caldwell First Nation youth is helping to save turtles in Point Pelee

For the last four years, Sydney Simpson has been spending turtle nesting season walking along roadways and trails in Point Pelee.

Thunder Bay police block streets while on scene of incident on north side

Thunder Bay police have escorted a woman out of the building in the 100 block section of Cumberland Street North where they continue to respond to an ongoing incident.

Toronto still struggling to track snow plows with GPS, auditor finds

The city's plan to use GPS and field checks to track the work of snow-clearing contractors is still ineffective, Toronto's auditor general found in a new report.

© 2008 - 2025 Webjosh  |  News Archive  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us