By Canadian Press

Omicron vaccine available in Quebec starting Thursday, not recommended for under 30

Sep 7, 2022 | 11:39 AM

MONTREAL — Quebec’s public health director says the new COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron variant will be available at vaccination centres starting Thursday at noon.

Dr. Luc Boileau made the announcement today during a news conference in Montreal.

Health Canada last week approved for people 18 and older an adapted version of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, which targets both the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron BA.1 variant.

Dr. Caroline Quach, who sits on Quebec’s vaccine committee, says Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines are not recommended for people under 30 because they present a higher risk of myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle — than the Pfizer shot.

She says people under 30 are advised to stick with Pfizer but can choose the new Moderna shot if they prefer.

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Boileau says people who show up at vaccination centres will have the choice between the older generation vaccines and the new one.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 7, 2022.

The Canadian Press