About 750,000 Quebecers have booked flu shots as Santé Québec says no shortage
Santé Québec says 140,000 more people have booked than last year, and that doses are sufficient despite reports of pharmacy shortages.
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Roughly 750,000 Quebecers have booked flu vaccination appointments so far this year, a figure attributed to Santé Québec. Spokesperson Marianne Paquette said the province has seen nearly 140,000 more bookings than at the same point last year. "We are seeing strong public interest in vaccination," she said.
The response has been strongest among targeted groups. "The response is particularly encouraging among targeted groups, especially people aged 65 to 69 and 70 to 74, many of whom are booking appointments," Paquette said. More than 100,000 bookings came in within the first few hours after the system opened on Oct. 13.
Health officials had warned of a possible early start to flu season. Institut national de santé publique du Québec data for Oct. 11 to 17 show an influenza Type-A positivity rate of 3.7 per cent, up from 2.7 per cent the week before. COVID-19 positivity for the same week was 6.1 per cent.
Some pharmacies have reported short supplies of doses. Paquette said there is no shortage in the province. "Everyone who books an appointment will have access to a vaccine, as sufficient quantities have been planned," she said. The source does not give the number of doses available against the number of bookings, and does not identify which pharmacies or regions reported shortages.
Free shots are offered to seniors 65 and older, people in senior residences and long-term care, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, caregivers and household contacts of infants under six months. Other Quebecers pay $30 to $50 per shot. Bookings run through ClicSanté. HighOnCity reported in September that Quebec would not administer free flu shots this fall.
The facts
How many Quebecers have booked flu shots so far this year?
About 750,000 Quebecers have booked flu vaccination appointments, according to Santé Québec.
Who is eligible for free flu shots in Quebec?
Free shots are offered to seniors 65 and older, people in senior residences and long-term care, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, caregivers, and household contacts of infants under six months. Other Quebecers pay $30 to $50 per shot.
