COVID-19 Vaccine

In Ontario, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to everyone aged six months and older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You do not need to have an Ontario health card.

Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death. 

Vaccination may not always prevent symptomatic infection, but it will help reduce severity if a person does contract the virus. It also decreases the risk of developing post COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID.

The Ministry of Health recommends individuals wait until the fall of 2024 to receive a next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This will ensure maximum protection when peak circulation of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are expected.

For questions about COVID-19 vaccination, please call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (open Monday to Friday, 8:30AM to 5PM excluding holidays) or speak with your healthcare provider.

For individuals 6 months and older, COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or at any time before or after, non-COVID-19 vaccines.

Huron Perth Public Health will not be holding COVID-19 clinics this fall for the general public. To receive the COVID-19 vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider.

The general population can expect to receive COVID-19 vaccines late October.  

In November, HPPH will be holding COVID-19 clinics for children (11 years and younger). Appointments will be required and can be made online starting mid-October at www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.

Participating pharmacies.

• Visit COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations to find your closest pharmacy.

Primary care providers

• Some primary care providers (family doctor or nurse practitioner) are offering vaccines to their patients. Contact your primary care provider directly.

• If possible, please complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Client Information Sheet (consent form) in advance and bring it with you to the appointment. There will also be copies available for you to fill out at the clinic. 
• Please arrive at the scheduled appointment time
• Bring a health card or another piece of identification.
• Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt 
• Do not attend the clinic if you are feeling unwell or have a fever. Please reschedule your appointment for a later date.
• Nervous about getting needles? Use the CARD (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) system to have a more positive vaccination experience.

For more information about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Ministry of Health's webpage, COVID-19 vaccines.

When you arrive at the vaccination clinic:

• Have your/your child's health card or another piece of identification ready
• You will be screened for symptoms of illness
• You will be asked to wait (5-15 minutes) after the vaccination
• For children ages six months to 11 years:
  • Make sure that consent forms are signed by a parent/legal guardian
  • The person accompanying the child to their appointment must be able to answer the pre-screening questions on the last page of the COVID-19 Vaccination Client Information Sheet (consent form)
  • Think about bringing a favourite stuffy, fidget toy, headphones, etc. to keep your child relaxed at the clinic or distracted during the waiting time

Some common side effects that may be experienced after vaccination include: 

• pain at the injection site
• redness, swelling
• tiredness
• headache
• enlarged lymph nodes
• muscle or joint pain
• chills
• fever
• upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea

Serious side effects are rare. However, if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms seek medical attention right away or call 9-1-1:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• difficulty breathing
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• high fever (over 40C)
• convulsions or seizures
• other serious symptoms (e.g. prolonged "pins and needles" or numbness) that could be an allergic reaction

Seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath and/or palpitations (pounding or racing heart) after receiving the vaccine. If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider. 

COVID-19 vaccination (including additional doses) is strongly recommended before becoming pregnant or in any trimester of pregnancy. Getting vaccinated is the safest choice to protect yourself and your baby from the known risks of COVID-19 infection. 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommend individuals who are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should receive all COVID-19 vaccination doses when eligible. Pregnant individuals who are unvaccinated are at risk for severe COVID-19 complications. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and complications from COVID-19 infection.

If you get vaccinated while breastfeeding, the vaccine itself will not transfer into breastmilk, but studies suggest that the antibodies you produce following vaccination will, which may protect your baby from COVID-19.

For more information to help you make an informed choice about whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, see: 

• COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy | Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy | Ministry of Health

Make sure you understand as much as you can about COVID-19 and vaccines. Speak with a trusted source, such as your obstetrician, midwife, family doctor or nurse practitioner, or book an appointment with VaxFacts+ for a phone consult with a doctor about any questions that you might have. 

Not all children have only mild symptoms when they contract COVID-19. Being vaccinated can help improve the immune response to COVID-19 infection and lower the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and post COVID-19 symptoms. 

Vaccination is the best and safest way to give an extra layer of protection for all children aged six months and older.

For more information, please speak with your healthcare provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

Additional resources:

• COVID-19 learning hub | SickKids About Kids Health
• Max the Vax | Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
• Vaccines for children and youth | Ministry of Health 

Anyone getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including youth ages 12 to 17, must provide informed consent. Informed consent means that you understand: 

• what the vaccine involves (for example, how it is given and what possible side effects there may be)
• why it is recommended
• the risks and benefits of getting or not getting it

If someone is unable to provide informed consent to receive the vaccine (for example, for medical reasons), they will need consent from someone who can make a decision on their behalf, such as a parent or legal guardian. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss vaccination with their children prior to attending a clinic. 

• COVID-19 for health professionals: Vaccines | Public Health Agency of Canada 
• COVID-19 in 2024: Care and Operations Guidance | Centre for Effective Practice
• COVID-19 vaccines and treatments portal | Government of Canada
• COVID-19 vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide | Public Health Agency of Canada
• COVID-19 Vaccine Program | Ministry of Health
• National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Statements and publications | Public Health Agency of Canada

• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding fact sheet | HPPH
• COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy FAQ for Health Care Providers | SOGC
• SOGC Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination and Fertility |SOGC

• Building confidence in vaccines | Public Health Ontario
• Vaccine Hesitancy Guide | University of Calgary School of Public Policy