Quebec vaccination campaign against respiratory viruses underway for some, opening for all as of Oct. 16

In anticipation of the winter season an increased circulation of respiratory viruses is expected with a peak in the coming weeks – and the free fall vaccination campaign will begin soon for everyone, but is already underway for some.

Quebec’s Public Health Director, Dr. Luc Boileau, made the announcement at a press briefing in Montreal on Monday to provide an update on the situation.

“Various respiratory viruses are currently circulating in Quebec. The presence of COVID-19 remains high, but stable. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is beginning its fall circulation as expected. Influenza is expected to arrive in the next few weeks,” said Public Health in a press release.

“According to recent data, respiratory viruses are showing relatively normal activity for this time of year. But over the next few weeks, they are likely to increase. Let me remind you that we are now in a more global, or ‘symptom’ management approach to these viruses,” said Dr. Boileau. “If you have symptoms, you take the necessary measures to protect those around you and vulnerable people, including vaccination, which will be available to the public free of charge.”

He’s also reminding people of basic respiratory hygiene like hand washing or, in the presence of symptoms, limiting contact with other people or wearing a mask during social interactions. “In the presence of fever, staying at home is recommended.”

Dr. Boileau said that they want to vaccinate at least 80 per cent of those in the province’s CHSLDs and are hoping that at least 70 per cent of people 70 and over also get vaccinated – that’s the Public Health target.

Epidemiologist and cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos reminds people of basic respiratory hygiene like hand washing, wearing a mask and suggests an alternative way to manage your respiratory system.

“The other thing that we can do as a society is we need to start cleaning our indoor air,” Labos said. “We live in buildings and work in buildings primarily where the windows don’t open,” he said.

“We need to start cleaning that air, otherwise, we are going to keep getting sick.”

Vaccination campaign

Co-administration of seasonal vaccines against respiratory viruses, like influenza, COVID-19, began in a number of residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs) last week.

Starting today, people at risk of complications – the immunocompromised and most vulnerable – are invited to book their appointments through Clic Santé or call 1-877-644-4545.

Administration will begin at local points of service – like pharmacies – and more on Oct. 16. On that same day, the general population will also be able to book an appointment.

An RSV vaccine will also be offered free of charge directly in targeted residences, with priority given to the most vulnerable clienteles. “The administration of an RSV immunizing agent, Nirsevimab, began in the last few days for the most vulnerable babies. In less than a week, nearly a 100 babies have already received the product. A population-based offer will begin in the coming weeks for babies under six months and those at risk up to 18 months of age,” reads the press release.

“What we see in data and modeling, mathematical modeling is that those that would most benefit from it are those age 75 and over with a medical condition. It is approved for 60 years of age and over,” said Dr. caroline Quach-Thanh at the pres conference.

“It is available for purchase in pharmacies, but at this point, what the group that really seems to be at higher risk for RSV and its complication are the older ones.”

Epidemiological situation and symptom management

Public Health says that the management of COVID-19 is now based on a ‘symptom approach.’

“Whether it’s influenza or COVID-19, the steps to avoid transmission remain the same. Confirmation by a screening test is no longer necessary unless you are eligible for treatment. Vulnerable people can still access screening at pharmacies to benefit from treatment,” explains a press release.

Dr. Boileau also adding that caution is advised with vulnerable individuals, including immunosuppressed people – that their state of health is not always visible.

“Kindness is called for towards people wearing masks or badges identifying them as immunosuppressed, such as Immunoclip badges.”