Quebec wants those aged 60+ to get COVID, influenza vaccines

A person draws out a vaccine in Kingston, Ont., on Sunday Jan. 2, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg

By News Staff

Posted December 12, 2023 10:50 am.

The province’s Health Ministry is urging Quebecers aged 60 and up to get vaccinated against respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19.

The ministry says those with chronic illnesses and pregnant women are also at high risk and should receive those two shots.

The province says those aged 70 and up are lagging – with only 49 per cent of that age group receiving the latest COVID vaccine, and 54 per cent the flu vaccine.

“While emergency room occupancy is on the rise, vaccination is one of the best ways to deal with this increase and prevent hospitalizations,” the ministry says in a news release.

Quebec estimates 1.3 million people have received their COVID shot this season, and 1.5 million have gotten the flu shot.

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