Quebec Shifts to Paid COVID-19 Vaccinations for Most Residents

Quebec has announced a significant change in its COVID-19 vaccination policy, transitioning to a paid model for most residents starting in the fall of 2025. While health-care workers and individuals in high-risk groups will still receive the vaccine at no cost, the general public will face fees of up to $180 for the shot. This decision marks a departure from previous years when the province offered universal, free vaccinations.

Dr. Jesse Papenburg, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist who advises the Quebec Health Ministry on immunization strategies, emphasized that this decision is rooted in prioritizing public health and cost-effectiveness. “From a public health perspective, it makes more sense to prioritize people who are at higher risk of developing complications and being hospitalized from their COVID-19 infection,” he stated.

Eligibility Criteria

Those eligible for the free vaccination include individuals aged 65 and older, those who are immunocompromised, individuals living with chronic illnesses, health-care workers, and pregnant women. Everyone else will need to pay for their vaccination, raising concerns among some advocacy groups.

Paul Brunet, a patients’ rights advocate, expressed his concerns about the potential consequences of limiting access to the vaccine. “I understand that this list is quite generous,” he noted. “But people who are not on the list will probably not get vaccinated. And this could certainly be one of the risks our society will be incurring.” He questioned the rationale behind the policy, asking, “At what cost? What are we saving? Are we talking about billions of dollars like the investment?”

Dr. Papenburg acknowledged the disappointment some might feel regarding the lack of free access for everyone but defended the new policy within the context of a strained health-care system. “The vaccine works for everybody, but especially in high-risk people, because it prevents severe outcomes such as hospitalizations,” he explained. “People who aren’t in a high-risk category are, thankfully, at low risk of developing a serious COVID-19 infection that requires hospitalization.”

Urgency of Vaccination

Despite the cost, Dr. Papenburg encourages all residents to consider vaccination. “We see that COVID-19 circulation is already above 12 percent in Quebec,” he warned. He also noted that the influenza season is approaching, which could further strain health resources.

For those looking to get vaccinated, Dr. Papenburg recommends consulting with a doctor or pharmacist, or booking an appointment through ClicSante.ca. The health authorities emphasize that staying informed and vaccinated is crucial as the new policy takes effect.

As Quebec navigates this shift in its vaccination strategy, the focus remains on protecting the most vulnerable while ensuring that resources are allocated effectively within the health-care system.