Quebec offering free flu shot for everyone, ‘exceptional’ this year due to trio of viruses circulating
Posted November 25, 2022 9:15 am.
Last Updated November 25, 2022 10:50 am.
All Quebecers can now get a flu shot for free. The government made the announcement on Friday morning in a press release, saying that “after consultations with public health authorities, the Health and Social Services Ministry is making the free influenza vaccine available to all Quebecers who wish to take advantage of it, starting today.”
They add that this is “exceptional for this year and will be re-evaluated next year.”
The decision was made in the current context of the circulation of a trio of viruses – COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus known as RSV, influenza – and “the high volume of traffic in our emergency rooms.”
Quebecers can head to Clic Santé to book an appointment. Several pharmacies and private clinics will also offer the influenza vaccination service and walk-in services will also be available at certain locations. “Unfortunately, people who have already been vaccinated will not be reimbursed.”
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Public health officials explaining that it’s critical that those at higher risk protect themselves with a dose as soon as possible, including: those 60 plus; all people with chronic diseases like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, immunosuppressed, etc; pregnant women in the second and third trimesters; people who live in the same household as the above-mentioned people as well as family caregivers.
The following groups are also encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible: families of children under six months of age and health care workers.
