Montreal's director of public health urges students to get vaccinated

A large-scale vaccination campaign has been in place for several weeks aimed at offering a first dose to young people in Montreal. The Health and educational ministry's goal is to achieve at least 75% vaccination coverage by the end of August.

Despite the multiplication of procedures by vaccination clinics, the goal has not been reached: less than 75% of people in your age group have received a first dose of vaccine against COVID19, not to mention the second dose now authorized four weeks after the first.

Achieving this objective is essential to ensure a safe face-to-face return to CEGEPs and universities in Montreal in September. Depending on the epidemiological situation, a coverage rate higher than 75% must be achieved in order to reduce health measures, such as wearing a mask and isolation measures in the event of contact with an infected person. This threshold is the condition for ensuring a more normal resumption of activities surrounding the educational environment, including sports activities. And above all, this is the key to fending off a 4th wave which is likely to be present in the fall. Also note that the vaccine passport (two doses) will be required after September 1 for a host of activities if the transmission of the virus or new outbreaks of COVID-19 justify it. 

We therefore ask all of you who have not yet received your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible. And if it has been more than four weeks since you had the first one, go get your second dose.

Vaccination is easily accessible, with or without an appointment

There are many sites in Montréal, including a number of pop-up clinics near you. You can see the list and schedules of walk-in and by-appointment clinics on the Santé Montréal website. In the case of pop-up clinics, go directly to the CIUSSS websites.

You can also book an appointment on the Clic Santé site or by calling the toll-free number 1-877-644-4545.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12 to 17.

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family and friends and to promote a return to normalcy in CEGEPs and Universities in the fall. 

Please, make an appointment right away or drop by one of the many clinics available to get vaccinated against COVID-19 today.

I am counting on you. 

Mylène Drouin, M.D.                               

The director of Public Health