Flu vaccine (influenza)

2022-2023 flu vaccination campaign

The flu vaccination clinics will begin on October 5th, 2022 and will be by appointment only. The appointment booking will begin on October 5th.

An appointment is mandatory

Protect yourself and your loved ones—get the flu shot!

Vaccination is still the best way to protect against the flu, mainly for people with a chronic disease and for seniors aged 75 and over. These people have a much higher risk of complications, hospitalization or death related to the influenza virus.

Remember that simple hygiene measures, such as hand-washing, are a good way to protect yourself against the flu and other respiratory viruses.

Groups targeted by the 2022-2023 free vaccination campaign 

The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux offers the flu shot for free to certain vulnerable groups who are considered at higher risk of developing complications. 

This year, the following groups are eligible for the free flu shot:

• People aged 6 months to 74 years with certain chronic diseases;

• People aged 75 and over;

• Children and adolescents (6 months to 17 years) on long-term acetylsalicylic acid therapy;

• Residents of all ages of long-term care centres (CHSLD) and intermediate resources (IR);

• Pregnant women with certain illnesses or chronic conditions, regardless of their stage of pregnancy

• Healthy pregnant women, in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of their pregnancy (13 weeks or more);

• People living in remote and isolated communities, with priority given to those who have a high risk of complications

• Travellers with chronic illnesses or conditions who will be travelling to an area where influenza viruses are prevalent (tropical region: year-round, southern hemisphere: April to September)

• People living in the same household as people in the above-mentioned high-risk groups and those who care for them at home (family caregivers);

• Healthcare workers, especially those who administer care and treatments at hospitals or long-term care centres (CHSLD).

Note that children aged 6 to 23 months and adults aged 60 to 74 in good health will be able to receive the vaccine free of charge at private medical clinics in the region.

If you are not one of the target groups and still want to receive this vaccine, you can contact your pharmacy, doctor or private vaccination clinics.