Quebec rolls out fall vaccination campaign against respiratory viruses

Quebec is rolling out its fall vaccination campaign against respiratory viruses, as contagion levels of COVID-19 and other illnesses remain high and are expected to rise in the coming colder months.

The province's public health director, Luc Boileau, announced that vaccines for Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19 and influenza are now available to Quebecers aged 75 and older, as well as for people with weakened immune systems. 

As of Oct. 16, the vaccines will be available to the general public for free. For newborns and babies, an immunizing product against RSV can be administered at hospitals and birthing centres, as well as at pharmacies for children under six months old.

For those experiencing cold and flu symptoms, the province is asking that they avoid close contact with others, especially elderly people and those with compromised immune systems. 

"In the current context, rapid tests no longer have added value because they can create a false sense of security," Boileau said.

He added that too often, those with negative results believe they're shielded from adverse effects of respiratory diseases or from passing them onto others.

A pin in the shape of a red "i" now exists for those who would like to publicly identify themselves as being vulnerable to virus complications. The campaign, called Immunoclip, was created by Louis Sansfaçon, whose daughter Émilie died of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boileau said Quebec is following the World Health Organization's recommendation for Northern Hemisphere countries to conduct fall vaccination campaigns. 

"This will help avoid complications for many vulnerable people and certainly will continue saving lives … and reduce pressure on emergency rooms this winter," he said.