750K appointments booked: Quebecers rush to get flu shots, amid reports of shortage

Roughly 750,000 Quebecers have signed up to roll up their sleeves and get jabbed so far this year, according to Santé Québec.

“We are seeing strong public interest in vaccination, with nearly 140,000 more appointments booked than at the same time last year,” Marianne Paquette, a spokesperson of Santé Québec said.

“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 added.

More than 100,000 bookings were within the first few hours when the system opened on Oct. 13 amid health officials warning of a possible early start to the flu season.

According to Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) data, the flu positivity rate (Influenza Type-A virus) went upto 3.7 per centbetweenOct. 11 and 17 compared to 2.7 per cent the week before.COVID-19 rates jumped to 6.1 per cent during the same period.

The strong interest is in vaccination is also causing shortages of doses at some pharmacies, according to reports.

However, Paquette says that there were no shortage of vaccines in the province.

“Everyone who books an appointment will have access to a vaccine, as sufficient quantities have been planned,” Paquette added.

The province’s fall campaign began with the launch of vaccination at senior residences and for infants on Oct. 6. Vaccination for the public has been available since Oct. 20 at local service points and pharmacies.

This year only some Quebecers considered to be particularly vulnerable are able to get the vaccinations for free, while everyone else have to pay for the jabs. The cost varies between $30 and $50.

Shots are being offered free of charge for seniors aged 65 and older, people living in senior residences and long-term care centres, those living with chronic diseases, pregnant women.

Caregivers and those who live with vulnerable groups like children under 6 months of age, seniors over 75 years, pregnant women and those with certain chronic illnesses are also eligible to get the vaccination for free. Some groups are also eligible for free RSV vaccinations.