Quebec has eliminated universal coverage for flu vaccinations this season, requiring most residents to pay out-of-pocket for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines as viral infection rates begin to rise across Canada. Beginning this fall, only select groups in Quebec—including seniors aged 65 and older, individuals with certain chronic conditions such as immunocompromised patients and their household members, pregnant women, and residents of long-term care facilities—will qualify for free influenza immunizations.
For those outside these groups, the COVID-19 vaccine costs approximately CAD 150, a policy introduced last year, while flu shots will cost between CAD 30 and 40, according to Marilie Beaulieu-Gravel, spokesperson for the Quebec pharmacy owners’ association. This approach contrasts with other Canadian provinces, where flu vaccines remain universally free.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada released on October 1 indicates that the national influenza positivity rate has climbed to 3.7 percent. Although the official flu season begins when the rate surpasses 5 percent, some regions are already experiencing elevated respiratory virus activity. Public health officials in Prince Edward Island and Southwestern Ontario have reported early flu cases, with PEI noting an increase in hospitalizations. Southwestern Public Health confirmed its first flu case for the season earlier this week, about a month sooner than last year. Local public health authorities urge priority groups to be vaccinated promptly, with general public vaccinations scheduled to begin on October 26 in most provinces, excluding Quebec.
Medical experts have voiced concern regarding Quebec’s decision to restrict free vaccine access. Nathalie Grandvaux, a professor at the University of Montreal’s medical school and virology expert, criticized the move, describing it as driven by economic considerations rather than public health rationale. Grandvaux warned that reduced vaccine uptake may lead to an influx of patients with flu symptoms in emergency departments, straining hospital resources during periods of competing healthcare demands. She emphasized that due to viral mutations and the need for annual immunization, immunity from previous vaccinations wanes and annual vaccination remains essential.
Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto, echoed similar concerns. He stated that policies instituting vaccine fees create unnecessary barriers and undermine efforts to rebuild public trust in healthcare. Bogoch noted that the advancing flu and COVID-19 season across Canada, while expected in the fall, calls for increased immunization efforts to mitigate severe illness and transmission.
The previous flu season in Canada experienced a sharp and early surge in cases, peaking in late December with a 33.3 percent positivity rate—the highest in three years—driven by lowered vaccine uptake and an ineffective strain match. Public health officials recommend standard preventative measures such as staying home when ill, frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and cleaning of high-touch surfaces to curb transmission until vaccination is widely accessible.
Quebec's policy diverges notably from other provinces, which continue to provide free influenza vaccines as part of their public health strategy amid early signs of respiratory virus circulation. Health authorities across Canada continue to monitor the evolving situation as the viral season gains momentum.