Is COVID-19 vaccination still important?
Yes — absolutely. Even if you’ve already received your first doses, a COVID-19 vaccine booster is often recommended, especially for people at higher risk.
COVID-19 vaccines are updated annually to target the latest variants. You can get vaccinated at the pharmacy, often without an appointment.
COVID vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness.
How many COVID-19 vaccine doses do you need?
The number of recommended doses depends on your situation:
- For people aged 60 year or older or with weakened immune systems, an annual booster is strongly recommended.
- For healthy adults, a booster may be recommended based on current public health guidelines.
- For children and teens, eligibility depends on age and health status.
Which COVID-19 vaccines are available?
In 2025, updated mRNA vaccines are the most commonly used in Canada, as they offer strong protection against the current COVID-19 strains.
Where can you get the COVID vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are available at many locations, including pharmacies. At Accès pharma chez Walmart, it’s best to book an appointment online to secure your spot, making your COVID vaccination process quick and convenient.
What is COVID oral medication?
COVID oral medication is a 5-day course of antiviral tablets designed to reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The treatment must start within 5 days of symptom onset.
To qualify, you must:
- Belong to a high-risk group
- Have a positive COVID-19 test
- Show symptoms for 5 days or less
- Get a prescription from a pharmacist, nurse practitioner or doctor
It’s crucial to get tested and consult promptly if you may benefit from this treatment. You can book an appointment at Accès pharma for a rapid test or consultation.
Who is eligible for COVID oral medication?
In Quebec, oral treatments are offered to eligible individuals under specific conditions. The RAMQ covers the cost similar to other medications.
Eligibility includes:
- Adults with severe immunosuppression;
- Individuals aged 60 years or older who are not fully vaccinated (fewer than 2 doses) or unprotected;
- Adults aged 18 to 59 years not fully vaccinated and with conditions like:
- Hemoglobin disorders,
- Obesity,
- Uncontrolled diabetes,
- Moderate chronic kidney disease,
- Mild-to-moderate liver disease,
- Uncontrolled hypertension,
- Cardiovascular disease,
- Chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, moderate-to-severe asthma)
- Adolescents (40 kg+) or pregnant women with the above conditions and who are under-vaccinated;
- Exceptionally, fully vaccinated adults with very high risk due to multiple comorbidities or advanced age (requires specialist recommendation).
Additional eligibility and precautions
To receive COVID oral medication, you must also:
- Confirm infection with a positive test (PCR or rapid test)
- Have symptoms for 5 days or less
- Have no severe kidney or liver disease, no severe allergy to the medication, and no major drug interactions
- Not be hospitalized
How to get COVID oral medication?
At the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, if you meet the criteria, take a test to confirm infection. Rapid tests are available without a prescription at Accès pharma and can be ordered online or by phone.
If you test positive, do not visit the pharmacy in person. Book a virtual or phone consultation to get a prescription from your pharmacist as soon as possible.
Do you need to choose between the COVID vaccine and oral treatment?
No need to choose — they serve different purposes:
- The COVID vaccine protects you before you’re exposed to the virus.
- The COVID oral medication helps to prevent complications if you become infected.
Even if you’re vaccinated, if you develop symptoms or test positive, it’s worth consulting quickly to see if treatment can help.
This information does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized recommendations.
