Community Health Services

New coverage for Shingrix

• As of January 11, 2021, the Shingrix vaccine is covered by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) as a limited use benefit
• Shingrix is a vaccine to prevent shingles, which causes a painful rash and can be severe in some people
• Shingles is caused by the re-activation of the virus that causes chickenpox. The risk of shingles is higher in seniors and in people with weaker immune systems
• The vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart
• Prior approval is not required for clients between 65 and 70 years of age
• Shingrix is also included on the Formulary for adjunct medications used during active cancer treatment. Clients that have received approval for any medication on this formulary will be automatically approved for Shingrix
• For clients who have other serious health conditions that weaken their immune system, NIHB will consider coverage on an exception basis
• If your doctor prescribes the Shingrix vaccine for you, you’ll need to get it from the pharmacy. Pharmacists should call the NIHB DEC to request prior approval, if required
• In most provinces and territories, the Shingrix vaccine can often be administered in pharmacies and pharmacists can bill NIHB for an injection fee. Contact your pharmacy to confirm that they have it in stock and if they can administer the injection
• If you are unable to have the vaccine administered at a pharmacy, ask your health care provider about other options
• To maximize the protection offered by Shingrix, it is important that you get both doses. When you get your first dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist to schedule your next dose

Check on their website at:  www.canada.ca under Non-Insured Health Benefits program updates.

Flu Season

It’s more important than ever to reduce the spread of flu. Due to COVID-19, we are operating the flu vaccination program by ‘appointment only’. Contact the Listuguj Community Health Services at 418-788-2155 to register today.

A bite from an infected mosquito can cause infection with West Nile virus. 

Did you know that 2018 was a record year for the number of people infected with West Nile virus in Quebec?

West Nile virus (WNV) symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most people (70% to 80%) who are infected with WNV have no symptoms, but anyone infected can be at risk of developing more severe symptoms and health effects.

Adults over the age of 50, people with chronic diseases (such as cancer, diabetes, alcoholism), or who require medical treatment that may weaken their immune system, are at greater risk for serious health effects from the virus.

Humans are most at risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus between mid-July and early September. Mosquitoes are often most active at dawn (first light) and dusk (just before dark).

The best way to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. To reduce the risk of being bitten, you can:

• Wear light-coloured clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours), long pants and loose-fitting shirts with long sleeves, socks and a hat
• Use insect repellent (bug sprays and lotions) that contains DEET or Icaridin.
• Reduce mosquito habitats near your home. Get rid of standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain or dry off water in: old tires (even tire swings), rainwater barrels, flower pots, wading pools.
• Put screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

Learn about West Nile virus, its symptoms, risks, treatment and prevention, by clicking here.

Also, read the safety alert: Safe use of personal insect repellents.