Flu (Influenza)

Where can I get the flu shot?

Appointments for the 2022-2023 seasonal flu vaccination campaign will begin on October 5. To make an appointment :

• - Online: www.clicsante.ca
• - By phone: 1 877 817-5279

Get information about the dates and locations of vaccination clinics and take an appointment.

Flu vaccine 

How a vaccine works

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against certain serious diseases. When a person is vaccinated, their immune cells start to produce antibodies that will be stored in memory in case the virus that actually causes the disease ever enters the body. This is a natural protective reaction that takes effect within 10-14 days of receiving the vaccine. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent certain infectious diseases, such as the flu, which is also known as influenza.

Contrary to what some people believe, the vaccine does not cause the flu. It is perfectly safe, and most symptoms that occur after vaccination are mild and short-lived.

An important yearly vaccine

The annual flu shot campaign will begin on November 1st. A new vaccine is given each year depending on which viruses are circulating that winter (they change every year). The vaccine is effective against the flu strains that are most likely to be circulating during the winter, including the pandemic influenza A H1N1 virus.

Recent studies have shown that children aged 6-23 months and healthy seniors between the ages of 60 and 74 have a risk of flu-related hospitalization and death comparable to that of the general healthy population. The flu shot is therefore no longer recommended for these people. 

 A free vaccine for certain groups

►►►November 25, 2022 Update: In the context of the intensive spread of winter respiratory viruses, the flu vaccine is exceptionally offered free of charge to all during the 2022-2023 vaccination campaign.◄◄◄ 

Vaccination time slots are offered free to the following targeted clientele since they are at greater risk of complications to their state of health:

• Pregnant women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of their pregnancy;
• Persons who are 6 months old or more who have a chronic disease (including pregnant women, no matter what the stage of their pregnancy);
• Persons aged 75 years and over.
• The close relatives and friends of the persons at risk mentioned, or of children under the age of 6 months, and health workers can also receive the vaccine free of charge.

Recent studies have shown that children between the ages of 6 and 23 months, as well as seniors between 60 and 74 years who are in good health have a risk of hospitalization and death associated with the flu comparable to that of the general population in good health. The flu vaccination is therefore no longer recommended for these individuals. However, for the 2022 vaccination campaign, children between the ages of 6 and 23 months and seniors between 60 and 74 years who wish to be vaccinated can receive the vaccination for free.

Persons not targeted by this free vaccination campaign who wish to be vaccinated should ask for information from pharmacies or medical clinics; some of these organizations offer the vaccine for a fee.

Information sheets

• Asthma
• Age 75+
• Diabetes
• Immunosuppressed
• Heart disease

How can I protect my baby?

While infants under six months old are considered at risk, the vaccine is not recommended for them, because an infant’s immune system does not allow for a good response to the vaccine. That’s why it’s so important that parents and relatives who are likely to spread the infection to the baby get vaccinated. In fact, people who have had the flu shot are actually protecting people who haven’t by not spreading the disease to them.

Flu prevention and symptoms

How can I prevent the flu and other seasonal viruses?

Hand-washing is a good way to reduce the risk of catching the flu and other respiratory viruses, and to avoid contaminating the people around you. As often as necessary, you should:

• Wash your hands with soap and water (no need for antibacterial soap).
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough into the crook of your elbow or your upper arm.
• Throw the tissues in the garbage, and wash your hands.
• Avoid visiting seniors or people with a chronic illness when you’re sick.

Flu symptoms and complications

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, dry cough, sneezing, aches and pains, headache, and sore throat—basically, your whole body will hurt for several days. The flu is contagious and can be very serious, even for people who are normally very fit and healthy. The flu can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. It can also lead to serious complications in young children, seniors, and people with a chronic illness, which is why the vaccine is free for people with a higher risk of complications. Each year, the flu is linked to several hospitalizations and deaths in Québec.

Comparative table: Influenza (flu) and common cold

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory tract infections. They have similar symptoms, which is why they are often confused with one another. However, the common cold is more frequent and less serious than the flu.

The symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the person’s age and health condition. 

Source: Québec.ca

When to consult?

Decision-making tool of the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux

Pneumococcal infections

Pneumococcus is a bacterium found in the respiratory tract. A pneumococcal infection can cause pneumonia, meningitis (infection of membranes that surround the brain), or bacteremia (blood infection), and possible complications include deafness, permanent brain damage, and death.

There are two vaccines that target pneumococcal infections and their complications, one of which is recommended and free for seniors aged 65 and older, and for people aged 2-64 with a medical condition that increases their risk of severe pneumococcal infections. Ask your doctor or local CLSC.

For more information, visit the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux website.

Finding information online

To make an informed decision about vaccination, you need credible, accurate information! Finding reliable information online is possible, provided you know which websites you can trust. However, the credible websites often get lost amidst those with absolutely no scientific basis. The websites of government organizations and recognized national medical associations are reliable sources of information. Remember that you can also get information about vaccination from your doctor or your Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS). Here are a few sources of information we recommend.