MONTREAL — Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé is calling on young adults to get vaccinated in an open letter published today, on the eve of appointments opening to those 25 and older.

Dubé says via his Twitter account that the beginning of the province's so-called "youth week" has been successful, with 50 per cent of those 30 to 34 having secured an appointment since Monday.

In an open letter posted to Facebook, Dube says he knows the past year has been difficult for young adults who have made remarkable sacrifices to protect the most vulnerable and the health-care system.

He says he recognizes that young people's mental health has taken a toll, as they have been relegated to distance learning and those in the hotel, restaurant and culture sectors have lost jobs.

Dubé says the province is nearing the finish line and that young people have a chance to play a crucial role in controlling COVID-19 transmission by getting vaccinated in large numbers.

The provincial government says that by the end of the week, all Quebec adults will be offered the chance to book a vaccine appointment. Premier Francois Legault will join Dubé and Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's director of public health, for a COVID-19 briefing this afternoon.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press