Quebecers can get vaccinated in pharmacies, help relieve ER congestion: AQPP

Faced with pressure in emergency rooms due to respiratory viruses, in addition to a new measles outbreak, the Association québécoise des pharmaciens propriétaires (AQPP) is calling on the public to get vaccinated in pharmacies across the province.

On Tuesday, Quebec public health confirmed that 11 cases of measles had been reported in the Laurentians, Montreal and Laval. This is the second measles outbreak in Quebec since the beginning of 2024; the first, which lasted four months, totaled 51 cases.

“This is probably the tip of the iceberg. Is it going to get worse? Will it get worse? Possibly, if we don’t improve our immunity,” warns AQPP president Benoit Morin.

Babies under one year of age, unvaccinated pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing complications from measles. Complications include pneumonia, ear infections, persistent diarrhea, loss of sight or hearing, and in 1 in 3,000 cases the disease can lead to death.

“We mustn’t panic, but we must go and get our dose. That’s the best way to prevent complications in vulnerable people,” says Morin.

He points out that measles is extremely contagious. “When there’s an environment that has a case of measles like a school, everyone who isn’t protected is at risk of getting the disease,” he says.

According to the Quebec vaccination schedule, babies normally receive a first dose of measles vaccine at 12 months and a second dose at 18 months. Babies under 1 year of age are therefore vulnerable, which is why it’s so important for the people around them to get vaccinated.

The AQPP invites adults born since 1980 who have not received two doses of measles vaccine, and anyone else not considered protected, to get vaccinated free of charge at a pharmacy.

Pharmacy as an alternative to the emergency

Flu viruses will be circulating more and more in Quebec over the coming weeks. The influenza epidemic was declared in Canada at the end of December, and the peak of the season has not yet been reached. The AQPP reminds us that there is still time for Quebecers to protect themselves against respiratory viruses by getting a free vaccination from a pharmacist.

Morin said he has noticed a drop in the number of people being vaccinated in recent weeks. “It’s a campaign, there’s a lot of enthusiasm at the start, then since the holidays, it’s run out of steam a bit, but at the same time there’s a progression of influenza and other viruses so there’s still time to go and get your vaccine,” he mentions.

Pharmacists can also provide antiviral treatment for people who test positive for COVID-19 or Influenza viruses and are at risk of complications. It is necessary to call the pharmacy to find out if you are eligible for treatment. Seniors, people with chronic illnesses or immune deficiencies are among those eligible for treatment. Caregivers, even if in good health, may also be eligible, in order to protect the person being cared for if he or she is vulnerable.

The province’s emergency departments were still very busy on Tuesday. By afternoon, the occupancy rate for all emergency rooms stood at 133 per cent. “We can also give comfort advice to those with cold symptoms. You shouldn’t go to the emergency room if you have a cold, especially if you’re in good health. It’s best to take care of yourself at home, and your pharmacist can advise you on how to do so,” says Morin.

In an effort to relieve emergency room overcrowding, the AQPP points out that pharmacists can be consulted for a number of minor conditions, such as shingles, allergic conjunctivitis, acne, certain fungi, hemorrhoids, heartburn, Lyme disease and more.

Morin is also asking for the public’s cooperation in calling ahead to the pharmacy to prepare prescriptions or book appointments, in order to help these health professionals ensure smooth service.

–The Canadian Press health content is funded through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. The Canadian Press is solely responsible for editorial choices.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews