First vaccination blitz without need of appointments

This intensive approach has as it's principal objective the reaching of more residents than in previous years.

Last year, the 'by-appointment' vaccination blitz totaled 7,000 people. This year's campaign (without appointment) is intended to reach 21,000 people-at-risk, in eight days.

"It will require large numbers of nurses and volunteers, but it is our hope to vaccinate 300 people an hour," suggests Mathieu Vachon, spokesperson for the CSSS (Centre de santé et de services sociaux de Laval). Mr. Vachon was not in a position to specify the cost of this massive operation.

The annual shot against the flu is strongly recommended by the Laval DSP (Public Health Department). The vaccination is always available starting in November of each year, with a new vaccine offered from year to year to counteract whatever new strain of the flu has developed.

The plan now calls for residents who qualify as 'vulnerable' to the flu to be vaccinated November 8, 9, 10 at College Montmorency, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The vaccination site moves to Place Forzani for November 14 to 18, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm for the first four days, and from noon to 7:30 pm on the last day (Tuesday, Nov. 18). A shuttle service to Place Forzani will leave Carrefour Laval every half hour on these days.

The mass vaccination blitz applies only to those at risk – That is people 60 and over, children six to 23 months, the chronically ill and all personnel working in nursing situations or in milieus of long-term care.

According to the Public Health Department the annual shot is the best defense against contracting the flu.

The influenza virus which runs liberally throughout the population is usually benign for most people, but it does have the potential for serious complications such as pneumonia for those at risk. Deaths linked to the flu do occur throughout Quebec yearly.

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(Photo: Martin Alarie)