Province announces free flu vaccination effective immediately for all Quebecers

All Quebec citizens will soon be able to receive a free flu shot.

This is an “exceptional” measure this year due to “high traffic” in state emergency rooms, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Friday morning.

Hospitals are dealing with overcrowding due to rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza.

“The imminent arrival of the holiday season justifies access to the flu vaccine,” the ministry wrote.

Until Friday, the flu vaccine was free only to “at-risk” Quebecers. Quebec’s health director, Dr Luc Boileau, said last week that vaccination is not free because it is not recommended by the province’s immunization commission.

The statement also said those who have already paid will not be reimbursed and that the “exceptional” measures are for this year only.