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Nearly two million free doses are available for those most at risk, such as people with heart disease or chronic disease.
Last year's influenza season was "particularly intense" compared to the previous season due to the circulation of influenza A and B viruses.
In its 2017-2018 report, the Ministry of Health recorded 27,914 reported cases of influenza, including 15,559 cases of influenza A (56%) and 12,355 cases of influenza B (44%).
The composition of the influenza vaccine is reviewed every year, but its effectiveness is still questioned in the population. It should be known that the vaccine only protects against the strains of influenza virus it contains.
At the Capitale-Nationale Public Health Department, medical consultant Nicholas Brousseau acknowledges that "the effectiveness varies from one year to the next and is around 30 to 60%".
However, he emphasizes how influenza vaccine can make a huge difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people.
"This means that this vaccine can reduce the serious problems badociated with this infection by about half for people at high risk, such as people over 75 or living with diabetes, asthma or cancer. In their case, it can prevent hospitalization or even death, "said Dr. Brousseau in an interview with The Canadian Press.
Doses for target populations
The flu vaccination campaign began this weekend in the regions of Charlevoix, Quebec and Portneuf, and the doctor estimated that about 140,000 to 150,000 residents of the Capitale-Nationale would receive the vaccine from here the holiday season.
"At the regional level, 200,000 doses are available so we are able to adapt and respond to demand," he said. But the goal is not to vaccinate the entire population. What we want is to vaccinate as many people as possible. "
As is the case every year, the vaccine is free of charge for people considered most at risk of suffering from the complications of this infection, as well as for people who have many contacts with them.
People targeted by the program are mostly those aged 75 and over, children from 6 months to 17 years old with certain chronic diseases, as well as adults with certain chronic diseases and pregnant women who have returned to second or third trimester of their pregnancy.
The Quebec Influenza Immunization Program (PIIQ) is no longer necessarily recommended for people aged 60 to 74 in good health, but the vaccine is still available on request.
However, the vaccine is recommended for residents of long-term care centers (CHSLDs) and intermediate resources.
How to get vaccinated?
The procedure for getting vaccinated varies from region to region. In some cases, it is necessary to make an appointment whereas elsewhere, the health establishments work rather without an appointment.
"For example, in the Capitale-Nationale region, walk-in mbad immunization clinics are one of the modalities. Just introduce yourself early, notes Dr. Brousseau. There is also the opportunity to be vaccinated by appointment in major clinics, as early as next week. In fact, people are spoiled for choice because there are also medical clinics, nursing clinics and pharmacies participating in the program. "
Since the vaccine usually takes two weeks to be fully effective, it is recommended that you get vaccinated before the flu season reaches its peak.
To find information on the vaccination campaign in your area, visit the website quebec.ca/vaccingrippe. All information to make an appointment is included, sometimes by referring people to their Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) or Integrated University Health and Social Services Center (CIUSSS). People can also turn to their CLSC or their doctor.
Influenza is an infection of the respiratory tract that is transmitted very easily. In Quebec, this virus circulates especially during the cold season: from the end of autumn until the beginning of spring.
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