While the respiratory virus season is in full swing in Quebec, the campaign to offer free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is still underway.
The flu is one of the top ten causes of death in the country. In 2022-2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada recorded more than 72,000 cases of influenza and more than 6,000 hospitalizations.
People aged 65 and over represented 31% of emergency admissions and 76% of reported deaths. “Receiving an annual flu vaccine is an effective way to protect against the flu in people most at risk,” emphasizes Bertrand Roy, head of medical affairs at CSL Seqirus Canada, a manufacturer of flu vaccines.
Quebec, however, performs poorly in terms of vaccination. In 2020, only 30% of adults had received their dose, far from the rate of 80% desired by the Committee on Immunization of Quebec (CIQ).
“Often, people are not aware of the severity of the infection or believe they are invulnerable,” specifies Mr. Roy. “But it’s important to protect yourself, especially when you’re a person aged 65 or over.” The vaccination rate among this age group stands at 58.6%, well below the Canadian average of 74% and the CIQ’s ultimate goal of 80%.
Is the vaccine really effective?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from season to season and depends on the level of correspondence between the viruses targeted by the vaccine and those circulating in the population.
The composition of the vaccine is reviewed each year to include the flu strains most likely to strike. “This is why the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends getting vaccinated every year,” explains Bertrand Roy.
Vaccines are generally effective two to three weeks after being administered. Protection lasts at least six months, but may vary depending on your age, health and the virus strains targeted in the vaccine composition.
Who can get vaccinated?
The CIQ recommends that the flu vaccine be offered each year to anyone aged 6 months and over who does not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
In Quebec, flu vaccination is offered free of charge to all people aged 6 months or older who request it for the 2023-2024 vaccination campaign.
Flu vaccination is particularly recommended for those most at risk of hospitalization or death, including:
- people aged 65 and over;
- people aged over 6 months with certain chronic illnesses;
- residents of residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD) and intermediate resources;
- pregnant people with chronic illnesses or who are over 13e week.
People living with a child under 6 months or a vulnerable person should also be vaccinated.
Since people aged 65 and over represent the largest proportion of people at risk, several Canadian provinces have established a vaccination program specific to this clientele, offering an influenza vaccine specifically designed for them.
In Quebec, this immunization program is only available for people aged 75 and over as well as for people aged 65 and over living in CHSLDs or intermediate resources to support autonomy.
Flu and COVID-19
It is important to note that the flu vaccine does not protect you against coronaviruses, such as COVID-19. These are separate viral infections that you can get at the same time. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered individually or together during the same appointment.
Vaccines against flu and COVID-19 are offered free of charge at 150 points of service in Quebec, and in 1,473 pharmacies. You can make an appointment by visiting Clic Santé or by going to a pharmacy.
Fluad is a flu vaccine intended for adults 65 years of age or older. Vaccination does not treat the infection once it develops or its complications.
Vaccination does not provide 100% protection. Talk to a healthcare professional to determine if the vaccine is right for you and visit fluad.ca for more information.
Prevent the flu
Beyond vaccination, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as following a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly, can help protect you against the flu.
Washing your hands for a minimum of 30 seconds and cleaning living areas regularly also help reduce the spread of germs.
For more details on the Quebec Influenza Immunization Program (PIIQ), consult the sheet on free vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal infections.