Respiratory virus season is picking up, and some pharmacies are already feeling the squeeze. If you’ve been meaning to get a flu shot in Montreal, here’s who qualifies for a free one, how to book, what to know about COVID-19 shots, and why it’s worth booking sooner rather than later.
Getting a flu shot in Montreal: who gets it free
According to the Quebec government’s flu vaccination page (updated Oct. 13), the flu vaccine is free for:
- People 65 and older
- People 6 months and older with certain chronic diseases
- Residents of CHSLDs, maisons des aînés and RI-SAPA intermediate resources, and residents of seniors’ residences (RPAs) or similar communal settings
- Pregnant people with certain chronic diseases at any stage, and healthy pregnant people from 13 weeks
- Household members and caregivers of high-risk people, including babies under 6 months, people 75 and older, and pregnant people
- Health care staff
Chronic conditions that raise the risk of complications include heart and lung disorders, diabetes, kidney and liver problems, cancer, immunodeficiency, and conditions that affect swallowing or secretions.
Not on the list? You can still get vaccinated if you’re 6 months or older. The province says to contact a pharmacy or medical clinic for the price.
What about kids?
Quebec offers one type of flu vaccine this season, an injectable that protects against three strains and can be given from 6 months of age. It isn’t recommended or offered for babies under 6 months, which is why their household members are encouraged to get vaccinated. Children under 9 getting their first-ever flu shot need two doses a month apart; after that, one dose a year.
COVID-19 shots, too
The province says flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered free this fall to eligible people, and that several vaccines can be given in the same visit, depending on eligibility, according to its seasonal vaccination page. Free COVID-19 vaccination covers adults 65 and older, pregnant people at any stage, people 6 months and up who are immunocompromised, on dialysis or have certain chronic diseases, residents of long-term care and seniors’ residences, adults in remote areas and health care staff. A health professional can help you check whether you qualify.
How to book
- Online: Clic Santé, the province’s booking portal
- By phone: 1-877-644-4545, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residents of Nunavik should call their local health centre, and the James Bay Cree Health and Social Services Council handles vaccination in Eeyou Istchee, the province notes.
What to expect at your appointment
The province says most reactions are mild and short-lived, with pain at the injection site the most common. Plan to wait 15 minutes on site afterward. The vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, and protection lasts at least six months. Book soon, then enjoy what’s on in Montreal this week.
Why book now
Demand is already high. On Oct. 25, CTV News reported that some Quebec pharmacists are struggling to find enough vaccine supply as flu season heats up.
The health line is busy too. CTV News reported on Oct. 23 that the average wait to speak with a nurse on Info-Santé 811 had risen to nearly two hours as the line enters its peak season. Getting protected early can help you avoid being part of that queue later.
Nationally, experts told Global News on Oct. 23 that Canada’s flu season began about seven weeks earlier than usual. Health Canada data showed 6.1% of tests detected influenza in the week ending Oct. 17, compared with 0.8% a year earlier. Dr. Jesse Papenburg, an infectious disease specialist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, called the vaccine’s risk reduction “really substantial,” especially for vulnerable people.
RSV: a separate campaign
There’s a third shot in the mix this year. The province says an RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) immunization campaign is underway for people at risk of complications, with separate guidance for babies, who receive a preventive treatment, and for adults, who can be vaccinated.
If you get sick anyway
Flu tends to hit suddenly with fever, cough, aches, extreme fatigue and headache, according to the province’s flu information page. You can be contagious from about 24 hours before symptoms appear, so stay home as soon as they start, even if it means skipping a game night at one of our favourite bars to watch the Canadiens. Not sure whether you or your child needs a doctor? Call Info-Santé 811, option 1.
Quick recap
- Free flu shots: 65+, people with certain chronic diseases, pregnant people (13 weeks+ if healthy), caregivers and households of high-risk people, health care staff, and residents of seniors’ and long-term care settings
- Everyone else 6 months and older can pay for a flu shot at a pharmacy or clinic
- Flu and COVID-19 shots can be given at the same visit, depending on eligibility
- Book on Clic Santé or at 1-877-644-4545
Stay healthy out there. And if you do catch something, our list of the best French onion soups in Montreal might help with the recovery. For more practical city info, browse our news section.
More on MTL365
- Rainy-Day Rescue: Penguin Feedings at the Montreal Biodome, Northern Lights at the Planetarium and Giant Plush Characters at the Biosphère
- Alouettes Playoffs: Argos or Bombers? Sizing Up Montreal’s Eastern Final Opponent
- Montreal Food Halls: Your Guide to Time Out Market, Le Central, Le Cathcart and Le Fou Fou
- More Montreal news on MTL365
Photo: Epolk / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources: Québec.ca: Flu vaccination, Québec.ca: Seasonal vaccination, Québec.ca: COVID-19 vaccination, Clic Santé, CTV News: pharmacists, CTV News: Info-Santé 811, Global News: early flu season, Québec.ca: Flu (influenza)
