Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that the next vaccination campaign against COVID-19 is scheduled to start on October 10.

“There will certainly be a large vaccination period starting from October 10,” Dubé responded to a question posed to him during a press conference held at the Montreal Heart Institute. “These are the dates we look forward to starting with the most vulnerable people.”

The vulnerable individuals will be the first to receive the vaccine. Quebec's national public health director, Luc Boileau, will provide more details about the upcoming campaign, Dubé said.

The public health authorities want to find the “optimal window” to vaccinate the population, added the Quebec health minister.

“We know that the worst cases of the epidemic occur in December and January. We had to wait as long as possible so that the maximum effect of another vaccination campaign could protect the most vulnerable people particularly during this period, between December and March, because we know that the vaccine is effective for at least six months,” said Dubé.

The Quebec health ministry also indicated that it is ready for this vaccination campaign as it has the necessary vaccines available.

About 100 centers across the province will participate in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, as well as the influenza vaccination.

These centers will also provide other health services, such as blood sample collection, which contributes to relieving pressure on hospitals, according to the Quebec health minister.

Regarding the situation in hospitals, Dubé said it is “always concerning,” but he added that he is reassured because the cases in intensive care remain stable, despite the rise in COVID-19 infections.

Immunity against COVID-19 decreases over time. Two weeks ago, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommended getting a new booster dose against this disease in the fall if at least six months have passed since the last dose or since the last infection with the virus.