The Magdalen Islands could be one of the first areas in Quebec to have its population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 because of its geographic location (and isolation).

Although the first doses will not be available until the end of December, Regional Public Health Director Dr. Yv Bonnier Viger explains how the national vaccination strategy could benefit Islanders.

The vaccine from the U.S. firm Moderna, which is still awaiting approval by Health Canada, will be used in the Islands because of its more suitable transport and storage conditions.

Depending on the availability of doses, public health will first prioritize seniors living in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs), private residences and intermediate resources and those who provide care to them.

Next, health network personnel and seniors living in their own homes will receive the vaccines.

Bonnier-Viger believes that it would be realistic to see vaccination offered to the general population in the second half of spring in order to complete the process before the end of the summer.

He adds that it is now possible to see a return to normal because once the vulnerable groups are vaccinated, the risks of developing complications related to COVID-19 will be reduced.