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Booster shots available for people 18+ in Eeyou Istchee

Audio file
Description
Audrey Beaulieu is a nurse counselor with the Cree Health Board, and she is coordinating the Covid-19 vaccination campaigns. She spoke with JBCCS's Christine Petawabano on December 20, 2021, aboutCOVID-19 booster shots.
Summary

In Eeyou Istchee, booster doses are now available for these people at their CMC.

Book an appointment through Clic Santé, or call your CMC. 
 

Content

Quebec has announced that a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be offered in Northern communities to people 18 years and older, who received their 2nd dose at least 3 months ago. 

 

Why are booster shots offered now? 

In Quebec, COVID-19 infections are increasing. Cases and hospitalizations are surging. 

The presence of the Omicron variant of concern in Quebec is a signal that we have to use all tools available to increase protection for people, families and communities in Eeyou Istchee, as we move into the Winter Season. 

What we know now is that people who have 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are less protected against the Omicron variant.

New research suggests that people vaccinated with 2 doses have about 30% protection against the Omicron variant. 

Getting a booster shot will increase protection against Omicron to about 75%. 

 

What does a booster shot do? 

  • A booster dose increases protection for people who are already fully vaccinated with 2 doses.  
  • When you get a booster shot, it reminds your body’s immune system how to fight the virus if you are exposed to it. 
  •  A booster shot increases your body’s ability to fight the virus.  
  • Boosters extends immunity.  

Booster shots are sometimes smaller doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, depending on which vaccine is offered where you are. Your CMC nurse or doctor will be able to explain this when you see them for your booster shot. 

Booster shots are a good choice for people who have received their 1st and 2nd dose already.  

  • People who have received a 1st dose can still get a 2nd dose.  
  • People who haven’t been vaccinated can still get a 1st dose.  

Every person who chooses to get vaccinated, with a 1st or 2nd dose, or booster shot, will help make a difference to reduce levels of risk in each community.  

 

What’s the difference between a 3rd shot and a booster shot? 

People on dialysis, or who are receiving immunosuppressive treatment, or who have other conditions that make them immunocompromised should get 3 full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The schedule for these doses is specific to their situation.  

The Cree Health Board continues to offer 3rd doses to all community members who are in these situations. Getting 3 vaccine doses helps protect people living with these conditions, because they are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and their immunity levels need more protection.  

Book an appointment through Clic Santé, or call your CMC. 

Questions?

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