Montrealers who are 80 and older are now allowed to book an appointment for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Public health authorities announced the decision Friday, one day after the province opened registration to members of the general public born in 1936 or earlier. Thousands have already signed up for the shot.
“This is good news and a sign that we are moving in the right direction,” wrote Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante on social media.
Over the past two months, Quebec has focused on vaccinating priority groups such as residents in long-term care homes and seniors’ residences, which have been hard hit by the pandemic.
The first dose was also given to health-care workers on the front lines of the health crisis and to Quebecers who live in remote regions.
This week, the province announced it was expanding the inoculation campaign to the general public, beginning with anyone who is 85 or older. Registration began Thursday, with vaccinations largely starting next week.
Registration is being done online. Seniors can also book an appointment by calling 1-877-644-4545.
The CIUSSS for the Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal said in a statement Friday that health teams are working with community organizations to ensure that all Montrealers over the age of 80 have access to the vaccine.
Quebec has given out more than 400,000 injections to date. Under the plan, the province is expected to start giving booster shots starting March 15, which is within the 90-day window the government gave itself.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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