The respiratory virus season is off to a strong start in Ottawa with very high levels of COVID-19 within health care settings, according to Ottawa Public Health (OPH). Free vaccination campaigns are being launched in both Ontario and Quebec to prevent the spread of seasonal viruses.
As of October 7, 22 outbreaks of COVID-19 were declared in long-term care homes, retirement homes and public hospitals in the capital. The number of outbreaks is approximately twice as high as the average of the previous three years for the same period. High levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also reported by Ottawa Public Health (OPH).
On the Outaouais side, there are five outbreaks in total in hospitals, long-term care centers (CHSLD) and private residences for the elderly, which is lower than last year at the same date , according to the Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of Outaouais.
We have some apprehensions, we hear around us that people are sick with the children returning to school. We are really in the middle of the flu season, warns the coordinator of the vaccination clinic and screening at the CISSS de l’Outaouais, Frédérique Morin.
Public health organizations recommend vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccines available to at-risk people in Ontario
In Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are already available for those most at risk of contracting infection. Adults over 65, residents of long-term care homes and people with certain health problems are eligible.
For these people, it is possible to make an appointment with pharmacies or their doctor. They will be able to register from October 9 on the SPO portal for appointments from October 15.
In Eastern Ontario, the flu vaccine is already offered to children aged 6 months to under 5 years old as well as their family members. In Ottawa, flu vaccines will also be offered starting October 21 for those most at risk.
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Children under 5 years old and their families are eligible for flu vaccination in Eastern Ontario. (Archive photo)
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The general population will be able to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines starting October 28 in Ontario.
Vaccination for all from October 16 in Outaouais
In Outaouais, mobile teams are currently deployed in certain living environments to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the flu, such as in CHSLDs and private residences for the elderly.
It is a service that was born during [la pandémie de COVID-19]explains the coordinator of the vaccination clinic and screening at the CISSS de l’Outaouais.
Vaccination against COVID-19 and flu will then be offered to the entire population from October 16.
However, it is possible to make an appointment today in Clic Santé, the appointment platform that everyone knows and [par le biais] from our call center, mentions Frédérique Morin.
Appointments are available at local community service centers (CLSC), pharmacies and temporary vaccination clinics, among others.
Vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also accessible both in Quebec and in Ontario under certain conditions for infants, pregnant women and the elderly.
Frédérique Morin recalls that vaccination can prevent hospitalizations and even deaths of the most vulnerable people.
Getting vaccinated can reduce the symptoms of the disease and also make it possible to transmit fewer viruses around us, she adds.