Quebec flu, COVID-19 vaccination campaign kicks off mid-October
Posted October 1, 2026 9:53 am.
The seasonal vaccination campaign in the province is set to be rolled out later this month.
Appointments for the flu and COVID-19 shots will start from Oct. 20. Reservations can be made online through Clic Santé starting Oct. 13.
Quebec’s health ministry says some eligible Quebecers considered to be particularly vulnerable will be able to get the vaccinations for free, while everyone else would have to pay for the jabs.
Shots will be offered free of charge for seniors aged 65 and older, people living in senior residences and long-term care centres, those living with chronic diseases, pregnant women.
Caregivers and those who live with vulnerable groups like children under 6 months of age, seniors over 75 years, pregnant women and those with certain chronic illnesses are also eligible to get the vaccination for free.
The vaccination reduces risk of complications from the disease and hospitalization among people most at risk.
According to Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) data, the COVID-19 positivity rate increased between Sept. 20 and 26 registering 5.1 per cent compared to 3.1 per cent a week earlier.
Researchers say the level of influenza in the province was progressing slowlybut remained very low with a positivity rate of 1.4 per cent in the same period.
Flu vaccines take two weeks to be fully effective and their effect last at least six months. For COVID-19 vaccines, a person should wait six months after a previous dose to get a new dose. Vaccination is safe for people who have had COVID-19 recently.
