With swine flu circulating widely in the community, Montreal's university hospitals have decided to clamp down on visitors.
The new rules are designed to protect the most vulnerable patients.
The Mcgill University Health Centre has restricted access to facilities such as the transplant unit and the birthing centre, where patients have weakened immune systems.
Security teams are posted on floors to make sure only authorized personnel, including family members, enter those areas.
At the CHUM any visitor who has cold or flu-like symptoms, and those under 18 years of age, are barred from entry.
Meanwhile seniors are wondering where they fit into the government's vaccination plan.
"Well the seniors are concerned," said Doreen Loiseau. "We want to know why we're at the end of the line."
People who are 65 and older who are in good health are scheduled to be vaccinated in montreal only on December 7th.
"It's a little bit confusing because I have asthma and bronchitis. I have to use a pump," said Isabelle Weatherhead.
It's been tough for nurses and residence workers who have to explain why seniors have to wait.
"Half the time I have to say 'well you're not eligible' and they don't understand why they can't get it, when I can get it because I work with them," said Amanda Stephenson.
Medical professionals say there is a scientific explanation for the vaccination delay. It appears that H1N1 is less risky for seniors.
"If youre a healthy older person, you probably have some degree of protection based on the fact that people born before 1957 have some degree of exposure or protection to this type of virus one, and two you have other options. There is Tamiflu and other medications you can take," said Dr. Mitch Shulman.
Friday afternoon the head of Montreal's health agency tried to reassure seniors.
David Levine said when the vaccine supply improves, everyone will get it.
"There are a limited number of vaccines so we're trying to give them to the clientele that has been most affected by this particular virus," said Levine. "The elderly are not being affected," but the virus is hitting some young people very hard.
Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc repeated that authorities will be vigilant about queue jumping, even among health professionals who want to vaccinate their families sooner.
"It's a question of equity and I don't think the population of Quebec would understand that we give privilege to some people when they themselves they have to wait for vaccinations," said Bolduc.
Montreal also plans to open 17 specialized flu clinics early next week.
"People who have flu symptoms, instead of going to the ER at the Montreal General or the Royal Victoria hospital, you should go to one of these flu centres," said Levine. "They will be listed and they will be made available to the whole population."
