Appointments open October 13, and one change matters this year. Every fall, Quebec runs a vaccination campaign against respiratory viruses — mainly the flu (influenza) and COVID-19 — ahead of the season when they spread most. This year, bookings on Clic Santé open on October 13 and the campaign starts on October 20, CityNews reports. The 2026 change: the flu vaccine is no longer free for everyone. If you are not in a targeted group, expect to pay around $30 to $40 at the pharmacy, and about $150 for COVID-19, CTV News reports.
Flu: free only for at-risk groups. Since fall 2026, the flu vaccine is offered free to people considered more vulnerable, according to Quebec.ca: those 65 and over, people with a chronic illness or who are immunocompromised, pregnant people, health-care workers and caregivers, as well as residents of long-term care centres (CHSLDs), seniors' residences and other collective settings. Everyone else can still get vaccinated, but must pay.
COVID-19: free only for certain groups. The COVID-19 vaccine is offered free only to more vulnerable people or those at risk of complications — for example those 65 and over, immunocompromised people, pregnant people, people with a chronic illness and health-care workers, according to Quebec.ca. Others can still get the vaccine at a pharmacy, but it is not free for them.
RSV too. A vaccination campaign against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is planned this fall for people 75 and over, who get the vaccine free. Appointments also open on October 13, according to Quebec.ca.
Two vaccines, one visit. If you are eligible for both, you can get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment. Receiving more than one vaccine at the same time is recognized as safe.
Where to get vaccinated. Vaccination takes place at a community pharmacy, a CLSC, or a local point of service (PSL). The vaccine itself is free when you are eligible, but a pharmacy may charge an administration fee. If you are not eligible for a free dose, ask the price before you book.
How to book. You reserve your spot on the Clic Santé platform by choosing the flu or COVID-19 vaccination service, or by phone at 1-877-644-4545 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Appointments open on October 13 and the campaign starts on October 20. It is the same system used for many other health appointments in Quebec — learning to use it will serve you often.
A press conference on October 13. Quebec's national director of public health, Dr. Caroline Quach-Thanh, will hold a press conference on the fall vaccination campaign (notice in French) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Montreal. We will update this article with what is announced.
Good to know for newcomers. This vaccine remains one of the easiest health services to get after you arrive: no family doctor required, an online appointment. First check whether you belong to a group that gets it free — since fall 2026, that is no longer automatic for the flu. Bring your RAMQ card if you have one. To review your other vaccines, see our guide to vaccines for adult newcomers.
