COVID-19 vaccination

You can make an appointment to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu in early fall. A link will be added to this page then.

COVID-19 vaccination reduces:

• the risk of complications of COVID-19;
• hospital admissions and deaths related to COVID-19.

It could also prevent symptoms that persist for many months, also known as long COVID.

Go to the COVID-19 page to find out more.

In fall-winter 2026‑2027, COVID-19 vaccination is offered free of charge to the following people:

• people who live in residential and long-term care centres (CHSLDs, Elders’ Houses) as well as in intermediate resources in support of seniors’ autonomy (RI-SAPA);
• people who live in private seniors’ residences (RPAs) or other communal settings with a high proportion of elderly and vulnerable people;
• people who are 65 years of age or older;
• people who are 6 months of age or older who are immunocompromised, on dialysis, or living with certain chronic diseases;
• people who are pregnant, regardless of the stage of pregnancy;
• adults living in remote and isolated areas;
• health care staff.

If in doubt, a health professional can help you determine if you are concerned.

The COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for people 6 months of age and older who want to reduce their risk of complications, but it is not offered free of charge. To find out how much the vaccine costs, contact your pharmacy or medical clinic.

The vaccine is recommended to anyone living with any of the chronic diseases listed below because their disease makes them more vulnerable to complications from the COVID-19:

• Chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders severe enough to require regular medical attention or hospital care, including the following:
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Emphysema
  • Asthma
• Chronic conditions such as:
  • Diabetes or other chronic metabolic disorders
  • Liver problems, including cirrhosis
  • Kidney problems
  • Blood disorders, including hemoglobinopathy
  • Cancer
• Medical conditions that may affect the ability to expel respiratory secretions and the ability to swallow, including the following:
  • Cognitive disorders
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Convulsive disorders
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Morbid obesity
  • Down syndrome

COVID-19 vaccines can be given as of 6 months of age.

They do not protect against colds and respiratory infections caused by other viruses, such as the flu.

The number of doses and the intervals between doses depend on the person’s age, vaccination history and health status. A health professional will be able to tell you the number of doses required for your situation.

A person should wait six months after getting a COVID-19 vaccine before getting a new dose.

Vaccination is safe for people who have had COVID-19 recently.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. Most reactions are mild and short-lived.

Reactions are less common in children and people over 55 years of age. They are more common after the second dose.

*The risk of myocarditis or pericarditis is lower after doses in subsequent years than after the second dose of the primary series. People who develop myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination most often have mild symptoms and recover quickly.

**This reaction is more common than is usually expected after a vaccine, but is still very rare.

Other health issues, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, may occur after vaccination, but they are not related to the vaccine.

Wait 15 minutes before leaving the premises where you received the vaccine. If an allergic reaction occurs, the symptoms will appear a few minutes after the vaccination.

If you feel side effects, immediately inform the person who gave you the vaccine. That person will be able to treat you on the spot.

Use fever or pain medication as needed.

If you experience redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, place a cool damp cloth (cold compress) over the affected area.

See a doctor if one of the following situations applies to you:

• You experience serious and unusual symptoms.
• Your symptoms get worse instead of better.
• Your symptoms last over 48 hours.