MIKE ATHEY
PONTIAC Oct. 22, 2020
A video-briefing by CISSSO announced that the flu shot will become available to residents of the Pontiac on Nov. 1.
Dr. Carol McConnery, medical officer of health, laid out the public health department’s plans during a press conference in French on Oct. 22. She reminded participants that Quebec does not . . .
have a universal vaccination campaign for the flu vaccine.
Public health would instead concentrate on immunizing certain vulnerable populations: those older than 75, people over six months in age with relevant chronic diseases, certain pregnant women, health care workers, and those in regular direct contact with one of the previous groups where vaccination could prevent harm.
Those at lower risk would be required to seek vaccination elsewhere, such as private clinics and pharmacies.
According to CISSSO communications agent Marie-Pier Després, patients have had the opportunity to book appointments since Oct. 15.
Després said the doses allocated to the public vaccination clinics were determined “according to the needs of the different territories” and would be targeting the vulnerable population.
“Not the entire population has access to this free vaccination,” said Després.
Pharmacists were also available to those who wanted to receive the flu shot, but there would be a charge unless you are on the exception list.
Many initial vaccination appointments have filled up, but Després said there will be several deliveries to come as doses of the vaccine would not all arrive at all the same time.
“We have enough of them,” she said.
