Santé Québec Laval Launches Fall Respiratory Virus Vaccination Campaign
The annual respiratory virus vaccination campaign in Laval begins on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with eligible residents able to book appointments starting Tuesday, October 13, according to courrierlaval.com. Santé Québec Laval announced the upcoming rollout to protect vulnerable populations against influenza and COVID-19 before the winter season arrives. Nous invitons la population admissible à prendre rendez-vous afin de se protéger avant la saison hivernale. La vaccination demeure la meilleure défense contre les virus
, stated Kahina Slimani, directrice de l’accès aux services de première ligne at Santé Québec Laval.
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Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Bookings for eligible groups open on October 13, 2026, via the clicsante.ca portal or by calling 1-877-644-4545 from Monday to Friday, 8h to 16h.
- The campaign officially launches on October 20, 2026, across local service points and participating pharmacies.
- Free vaccines target adults aged 65 and older, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised patients, and those with chronic health conditions.
Chronic Conditions Increase Respiratory Virus Complication Risks
Health officials emphasize that underlying health issues elevate viral risk. Even when well-managed, chronic conditions amplify complication potentials during peak viral seasons. Kahina Slimani, directrice de l’accès aux services de première ligne at Santé Québec Laval, stated in a press release reported by courrierlaval.com that Même lorsqu’elles sont bien contrôlées, certaines maladies chroniques peuvent augmenter le risque de complications liées aux virus respiratoires
, citing asthma, diabetes, and morbid obesity as prime examples of conditions requiring heightened defense. The campaign prioritizes adults aged 65 and over, pregnant individuals at any stage for COVID-19 and certain stages for influenza, immunocompromised patients, and individuals living with chronic illnesses. Household contacts and caregivers sharing living spaces with high-risk individuals or infants under six months qualify for the free influenza immunization.
Divergent Rollout Dates for Healthcare Workers
While the general population accesses vaccines starting October 20, healthcare employees, physicians, and volunteers encounter an accelerated timeline. Healthcare personnel rollouts begin earlier on October 6, 2026. Staff can receive shots without an appointment at the Laval Ambulatory Service Centre (blood collection center in the basement) from October 6 through October 19, Monday through Friday, 8 h 30 to 17 h 30, or schedule through the work presence management support office (room DSS-158) at the Cité-de-la-Santé Hospital, Monday through Friday, 8 h to 15 h, by calling 450 668-1010, extension 22465. Starting October 20, healthcare workers may also utilize standard public vaccination sites, with booking on Clic Santé recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-in vaccination occurs in specific living and care environments from October 6 to November 30, 2026.
Patients Can Receive Multiple Vaccines in One Visit
Patients booking through the clicsante.ca portal or the central booking line at 1-877-644-4545 can receive both the influenza and COVID-19 inoculations during a single clinical visit. Beyond influenza and COVID-19, the campaign provides the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge to specific demographics. Free RSV immunization is designated for newborns, eligible infants, and adults aged 75 and older, alongside targeted groups in residential care facilities such as CHSLDs, intermediate resources, and specific private seniors’ residences.