The Ministry of Health and Social Services in Quebec advises individuals with weak immune systems and those at risk to get another booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine this fall.

The decision, issued in a press release on Tuesday, follows a recommendation from the Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) and Dr. Luc Boileau, the Director of Public Health in Quebec.

The vulnerable groups most at risk include:

Adults aged 60 and over.
Long-term care and assistance for elderly residents.
Individuals with underlying medical conditions that make them more susceptible to severe illness.
Pregnant individuals.
Healthcare workers.
Adults living in remote or isolated communities.

According to Boileau, "There is a new vaccine tailored to the new variants that is being approved by Health Canada, and a campaign is likely to be launched at the beginning of October ... with the new vaccine."

The new vaccine will be offered at vaccination and testing centers, as well as local pharmacies, for vulnerable individuals, but it will also be available to anyone looking to protect themselves.

Health officials recommend a minimum interval of six months between the last dose and the booster dose, and Boileau stated, "The booster dose is particularly important for individuals in at-risk groups who have never contracted COVID-19."

COVID-19 rapid test kits are still available for free to the general public at vaccination and testing centers, and due to the evolving situation in recent months, their distribution in pharmacies is reserved for vulnerable individuals.

Test kits are also available in schools and childcare services, and depending on demand, these settings may receive more in the coming weeks.