Recommendation issued for seniors aged 75 and above to receive vaccination due to cost-benefit considerations
Quebec has announced an updated strategy for its fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, focusing on administering booster doses, including fifth doses, to specific priority groups. The strategy, announced on August 16, 2025, aims to increase booster uptake among the eligible population.
The Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) recommends that the campaign prioritizes Quebecers aged 75 and older, starting mid-August. This will be followed by those aged 60 and older, and then all adults by the end of August. It is worth noting that individuals are eligible for their next booster dose only if at least five months have passed since their last dose, except for immunocompromised persons, for whom the interval is reduced to three months.
Mass vaccination sites have been reopened across the province to facilitate the campaign. The strategy continues previous recommendations that people over 60, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic illnesses seek additional doses for better protection. The campaign includes using available vaccines such as mRNA types and the Novavax vaccine for those hesitant or unable to take mRNA vaccines.
The Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) has suggested that the age limit of 60 and over may be reconsidered for the 2025-2026 season, as the Committee states that the number of doses required for the upcoming season could be significantly impacted by the age limit decision.
The CIQ recommends vaccinating, among others, those aged 75 and over, people living in CHSLDs and private retirement homes, pregnant women, and vulnerable people with chronic illnesses. The Committee conducted cost-effectiveness analyses and found that, for cost-effectiveness, vaccinating those aged 75 and over during the 2024 fall vaccination campaign is recommended.
Caroline Quach, the president of the CIQ, expressed surprise by the lack of increase in cases this summer and expressed uncertainty about the impact of the back-to-school season on COVID-19 cases. The CIQ offers vaccination to those who can benefit the most, but notes that the group with the most gains is not those aged 65 to 74 in good health.
Last year, the CIQ recommended vaccinating people aged 60 and over for the fall 2023 campaign. As of August 5, the number of hospitalizations with COVID-19 was 268, compared to 1225 at the same time last year. As of the week of August 3, the positivity rate for COVID-19 tests was 7%, according to the INSPQ.
The Public Health Agency of Canada announced in January that funding for COVID-19 vaccines would be the responsibility of the provinces and territories. The Quebec government will pay for COVID-19 vaccines during the fall vaccination campaign in 2024. The COVID-19 surveillance program in wastewater ended on April 1. The Quebec government will rely on the Quebec Immunization Committee's recommendations to determine the groups targeted during vaccination campaigns.
[1] Source: Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) and Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ)
In summary, the key points for the fall 2025 vaccination campaign in Quebec per INSPQ are:
- Booster doses (up to the fifth dose) are being offered.
- Priority groups begin with 75+, then 60+, then all adults.
- A minimum interval of 5 months since last dose, reduced to 3 months for immunocompromised.
- Reopening of mass vaccination centers across Quebec.
- Use of mRNA vaccines and Novavax where appropriate.
No newer details beyond these recommendations were found in the search results.
The Quebec Immunization Committee (CIQ) suggests that individuals aged 75 and older, who have been recommended for vaccination, should seek their fifth booster dose for increased protection, following science-based health-and-wellness guidelines. As the committee considers reconsidering the age limit of 60 and over for the 2025-2026 season, it highlights that cost-effectiveness analyses support the vaccination of those aged 75 and over during the fall vaccination campaign.
