Vaccination
Mednam Lachine Clinic does not offer vaccination services, but we believe it is important to share relevant information on this topic.
Why is vaccination important ?
Because it protects against serious diseases, prevents potentially fatal complications, protects vulnerable individuals, reduces the spread of germs, and has eliminated or controlled diseases that were once common.
It is a simple, safe, and essential public health measure.
How does a vaccine work?
A vaccine contains an inactive or weakened microbe, or a toxin that has been rendered harmless.
This allows the body to:
- Recognize the infectious agent,
- Produce antibodies,
- Retain an immune memory so it can react quickly if the real microbe appears.
The vaccine does not cause the disease, but it does provide protection. To learn more about vaccination, click here.
Vaccination protects individuals…
For children
Children are particularly vulnerable to certain infections. Vaccines protect them against serious diseases such as:
- Measles,
- Whooping cough,
- Meningitis,
- Polio,
- Pneumococcal infections,
- Rotavirus infections, etc.
These diseases can lead to severe complications, hospitalizations, and even death.
Vaccination helps prevent these risks from an early age.
For adults
Even in adulthood, certain diseases remain dangerous:
- Tetanus,
- Influenza,
- Shingles,
- Hepatitis B,
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, etc.
Adults must also keep up with their booster shots, as immunity decreases over time.
… and the community
Getting vaccinated also protects:
- Babies too young to be vaccinated,
- People who are immunocompromised,
- The elderly,
- Pregnant women,
- People for whom the vaccine is less effective.
This is called herd immunity: the more people who are vaccinated, the less the microbe circulates.
Winter
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Cold weather and outdoor activities
In winter, cold weather and air pollution can have various direct and indirect effects on health, particularly during periods of extreme cold or smog warnings. To fully enjoy your outdoor activities during the cold season, visit the Santé Québec website to better understand the possible impacts of cold weather and air pollution, as well as the measures you can take to prevent their consequences.
Indoor comfort
In winter, Quebecers spend most of their time indoors, where air quality can affect their health. Humidity, mold, carbon monoxide, and radon are risks to watch out for. Noise, which is more prevalent during the holidays, can also affect well-being. To improve your indoor comfort, visit the Santé Québec website.
Steps to limit the transmission of infectious respiratory diseases
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Monitor your symptoms
Be alert for any signs of respiratory illness
• Fever: stay home.
• New or worsening cough, sore throat, or congestion: wear a mask when interacting with others until your symptoms are gone.
For 10 days after the onset of symptoms
• Keep your distance and avoid contact with vulnerable people.
• Postpone visits to healthcare facilities or inform staff that you may be contagious.
• Avoid handshakes and opt for other forms of greeting.
• Work from home and limit non-essential social activities.
• Inform your loved ones that you may be contagious.
High-risk individuals
If you are at risk of complications related to COVID-19, get tested at a local service point. Treatment may be indicated; discuss this with your pharmacist.
Work, school, daycare
Inform the establishment that you have symptoms and follow the rules in effect.
These recommendations come from the Santé Québec website, which contains comprehensive information on how to limit the transmission of these diseases.
We recommend that you visit the Santé Québec website, which offers a wealth of relevant information on preventing health problems.
Sexual Health
Santé Québec offers advice on maintaining good sexual health, having a positive first sexual experience, and learning about contraception and ways to protect yourself against STIs. Here are the main topics covered:
Learn about various topics related to first sexual experiences: consent, contraception, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, etc.
Learn about ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Learn about ways to avoid contracting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
Learn about the transmission, consequences, screening, and treatment of STBBIs. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been renamed. They are now called “sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).” The term “infection” is more accurate because there may be no symptoms.
Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and pregnancy
Learn about screening and treatment for STBBIs during pregnancy, as well as the possible consequences of an untreated STBBI on pregnancy or the baby’s health.
Pap Test or Gynecological Cythology
Did you know that the name PAP test comes from its inventor, Dr. George Papanicolaou, who developed this non-invasive and painless test in the 1940s?
Gynecological cytology, also known as the Pap test, is used to screen for cervical cancer. It is a sample taken from the cervix to look for abnormal cells.
We offer two (2) options: Either the public laboratory or the private laboratory, in collaboration with Soins infirmiers Lachine and Laboratoires Biron.
Public: The conventional pap test is performed free of charge. It consists of placing the manually collected cells on a slide. This slide is then sent to the public laboratory where it will be analyzed. You will get your results within a minimum of 3 to 4 months.
Important! When abnormal cells are present, your doctor may recommend another medical visit. This visit may require a second gynecological examination.
With the services offered privately: the cells collected are rinsed in a container of liquid. The delay to obtain the result is 5 to 7 working days. This short delay may answer the concerns of some of you! In addition, with this test, it is possible to detect HPV in the same container, which could save you a second gynecological examination in case of abnormality.
Several services are available, discuss them with your doctor. Some things can’t wait!