Published October 14, 2024

By Ruby Pratka

Local Journalism Initiative

Quebecers who want additional protection against COVID-19 and seasonal flu will be able to book vaccination appointments online and over the phone as of Oct. 16, public health officials said last week.

“Every year, it’s no surprise, when temperatures start dropping and people start going back inside, there’s always an increase in respiratory viruses,” Quebec public health director Dr. Luc Boileau told reporters. “Beginning the [vaccination] campaign in October is ideal, because it allows people who are at the highest risk of complications to be protected at the right time.”

Boileau said ministry data indicated that there has been “elevated community spread” of COVID over the past few months; cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) “were starting to go around,” and it was expected that flu season would start in a few weeks. He called on people who were experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home and avoid spreading their illness to more vulnerable people. He pointed out that a negative COVID rapid test did not mean a person wasn’t sick – the test could be a false negative or the person could have another illness. 

“If you have a fever, stay home. If you feel well enough to go about your daily business, wear a mask as long as your symptoms last and don’t visit people who are at risk [of serious complications from COVID or flu].” High-risk groups include seniors 75 and older, babies and young children, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. 

Boileau added that although rapid tests are no longer recommended for the general population, people at high risk of complications who believe they have COVID should still get tested in a testing centre, so they can start prophylactic treatment. 

Vaccination campaign to begin Oct. 16

Boileau said vaccination campaigns for COVID, flu and RSV have already begun in long-term care centres and among high-risk populations. He invited healthy adults at low risk of complications from COVID or flu to book a vaccination appointment online via ClicSanté starting Oct. 16. It is possible to get vaccinated against COVID and flu on the same day. Healthy adults under 75 are not systematically vaccinated against RSV, which mainly affects seniors and young children. Babies will be able to receive a preventative antibody treatment against RSV as of Nov 4. The flu and COVID vaccines are free; the RSV vaccine and antibody treatment are free to at-risk groups; free and systematic RSV vaccination may eventually be extended to other groups, according to Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, head of Quebec’s immunization committee, who spoke alongside Boileau.

People who cannot or don’t want to make an appointment online can book by phone at 1 877 644‑4545. The phone line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and offers services in both French and English.

Quach-Thanh noted that antibodies take about two weeks to develop after a person is vaccinated. “Since we don’t exactly know when the season of virus transmission is going to start, it’s better to do it early than late.”

“Thank you for considering the option of getting vaccinated,” Boileau said, addressing Quebecers at large at a press conference that was live-streamed on social media. “It can make a difference for you and a lot of people around you as well. Vaccination is free and accessible – there’s no reason not to do it.” 

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