The flu, the real one, can cause serious side effects, and the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against this virus. Getting the flu shot is therefore essential for people at risk of developing complications, as well as for those who live in the same household or their caregivers.
With fall, flu season is back. But since the start of the pandemic, it has too often taken second place to our concerns. However, the flu can cause serious complications in some people. Because vaccination remains the best way to reduce hospitalizations and mortality among those most at risk, the Department of Health and Social Services is launching its annual vaccination campaign against seasonal flu.
1. The risks associated with influenza are very realThe flu (or influenza) is much more than a “bad cold”. For people aged 75 and over and for those with weakened immune systems or living with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease, the consequences can be serious. In them, the flu can cause breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and even death. The treatment of these complications may require a hospital stay of several days or even weeks, and lead to a loss of autonomy.
2. The flu shot is free for some groups
- This vaccine is offered free of charge to people considered to be at risk:
- children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain chronic diseases;
- adults living with certain chronic diseases (including pregnant women, regardless of the stage of their pregnancy);
- pregnant women (2nd and 3rd trimesters);
- people aged 75 and over.
In order to reduce the risk of contamination, vaccination is also offered to the following people:
- relatives who live under the same roof as a child under 6 months of age or a person at high risk of hospitalization or death, as well as their family caregivers;
- health workers.
3. The vaccine is safe and effective
The flu shot is safe. He cannot transmit the flu or any other illness. The protection it offers may vary from person to person, depending on age and state of health, but it lasts at least six months. It prevents influenza in about 40% to 60% of healthy people when the strains of the virus it contains match up with the strains in circulation. In people at risk, the vaccine especially helps reduce the risk of complications from influenza, hospitalization and death. It does not protect against other respiratory infections, such as the common cold – often mistaken for the flu – nor against COVID-19.
4. The influenza vaccine is complementary to that against COVID-19
It is possible to receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine during the same immunization session. There is no time limit between these vaccines. The flu shot also does not worsen the symptoms of COVID-19 if infected. In addition to vaccination, it is important to maintain sanitary measures, such as hand washing, wearing a mask and physical distancing, to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and COVID-19.
5. All you need to do is make an appointment online or over the phone to get the vaccine. People eligible for the free flu vaccination can make an appointment online at Québec.ca / influenza vaccines to be vaccinated at a vaccination center or at a pharmacy.
You can also make an appointment by calling 1 877 644-4545 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays) .
For information : Québec.ca / influenza vaccine
Mission
The mission of the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) is to maintain, improve and restore the health and well-being of the Quebec population by making a range of health and social services accessible.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team played no role in the production of this content.