Quebecers over 80 are urged to get COVID vaccine booster this spring

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Quebec’s immunization committee is recommending a booster dose of the monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine this spring to seniors ages 80 and over as well as to people who are immunocompromised or on dialysis.

The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and certain parts of the population remain more vulnerable to the virus, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) said this week in publishing its vaccination recommendations.

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A person vaccinated against COVID-19 is less likely to develop serious illness, but a gradual decrease in this protection is observed over a period of six months following vaccination. A booster dose is therefore necessary to maintain adequate protection, the INSPQ notes in its most recent opinion.

Serious complications from COVID-19 are much more common in people ages 80 and older. For this age group, about one in 30 infected people requires hospitalization. Among those ages 60 to 79, the frequency of hospitalizations and deaths is lower, except for people living with a chronic illness.

A booster dose in spring 2024 could prevent “an appreciable number” of serious cases of COVID-19 among the most vulnerable, indicates the INSPQ.

The institute, however, qualifies that the precise contribution of such a vaccination remains difficult to assess “given the few effectiveness studies specific to the monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine and the possibility that variants increasingly distant from the strain vaccine will circulate in 2024.”

The INSPQ also recommends residents of long-term care centres (CHSLD) and private seniors’ residences get a booster dose.

Those not in the target groups who are at least six months old can also get vaccinated if they choose, six months after their last dose. The Quebec government also recommends those who have not gotten any XBB.1.5 vaccine doses who have chronic illnesses, work in health care, are pregnant or live in isolated regions to get the vaccine.

According to INSPQ data, as of March 19, 661 people currently hospitalized have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which includes old cases and new ones.

Canadian Press health coverage receives funding through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.

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