Quebecers can get vaccinated against the flu starting Nov. 1
Quebecers looking to get vaccinated against the flu will be able to do so as of Nov. 1, according to the Quebec government.
"Vaccination is still the best way to protect against the flu, mainly for people with a chronic disease and for seniors aged 75 and over," the province's health ministry states. "These people have a much higher risk of complications, hospitalization or death related to the influenza virus."
Simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands, are also good ways to protect yourself and your family against the flu and other respiratory viruses.
The ministry has outlined certain vulnerable groups to receive the flu shot for free:
- People aged six months to 74 years with certain chronic diseases;
- People aged 75 and over;
- Children and teens (six months to 17 years) on long-term acetylsalicylic acid therapy;
- Residents of all ages in long-term care centres (CHSLD) and intermediate resources (IR);
- Pregnant women with certain illnesses or chronic conditions, regardless of their stage of pregnancy;
- Healthy pregnant women, in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of their pregnancy (13 weeks or more);
- People living in remote and isolated communities, with priority given to those who have a high risk of complications;
- Travellers with chronic illnesses or conditions who will be travelling to an area where influenza viruses are prevalent;
- People living in the same household as people in the above-mentioned high-risk groups and those who care for them at home (family caregivers);
- Health care workers, especially those who administer care and treatment at hospitals or long-term care centres (CHSLD).
The flu vaccination is also free of charge to healthy children from six to 23-months-old, as well as healthy people from 60 to 74-years-old.
The ministry notes if you are not one of the target groups but still want to be vaccinated against the flu, you can contact your pharmacy, doctor or private vaccination clinic.
Quebec's flu vaccination campaign starts Nov. 1.
Appointments, which are mandatory, can be made either by selecting "seasonal flu vaccine" on Clic-Santé, or by telephone at 1-877-817-5279.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.’s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease’s progression.
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories
'Judge Judy' Sheindlin sued the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly on Monday for a story that she said falsely claimed that she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after they were convicted of murdering their parents.
'A great victory for the industry': Taxi drivers celebrate ruling that found City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.