What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death. While vaccination may not always prevent symptomatic infection, it can help reduce the severity if a person does become infected and it decreases the risk of developing post COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID).
The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh their potential risks, as scientific evidence shows they reduce deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. The federal, provincial, and local public health authorities encourage people to get vaccinated and to complete their vaccine series as soon as they are eligible. The COVID-19 vaccine can also help reduce the spread to others.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
In general, everyone aged 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine, as directed by the Ministry of Health. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health for eligibility and guidance.
When should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?
In general, everyone aged 6 months and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine, every year, as directed by the Ministry of Health. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health for eligibility and guidance.
Who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?
People who have had a serious allergic reaction to any ingredient in the vaccine or to a previous dose of the vaccine itself should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines commonly used:
Administered vaccines have been approved by Health Canada and determined to be safe and effective.
mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
All Public Health clinics offer mRNA vaccine brands. These vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response. Once triggered, your body makes antibodies which help you fight the infection if the real virus does enter your body in the future.
mRNA vaccines remain the recommended vaccine type for COVID-19 and can be used for individuals who have not been previously vaccinated as well as for those who received a COVID-19 vaccine previously.
Examples of mRNA vaccines include:
- Moderna Spikevax (Government of Canada)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (Government of Canada)
Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine (non-mRNA)
In Canada, protein subunit vaccines are non-mRNA vaccines that are authorized for use. These vaccines use a weakened or inactivated virus or part of a virus to trigger an immune response inside your body. These vaccines contain harmless and purified pieces of the virus, which have been specifically selected for their ability to trigger immunity.
Examples of protein subunit vaccines include:
- Novavax (Government of Canada)
Although Health Canada has authorized an updated formulation of Novavax, it will not be available in Ontario for the 2024-2025 season. Individuals who are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine should speak with their health care provider about treatment options, including the use of Paxlovid, to reduce the duration and severity of illness.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine required to attend school, daycare or to work in certain settings?
Although it is recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine annually, children do not have to be immunized against this disease to attend school or a licensed day care in Ontario (Immunization of School Pupils Act, Child Care and Early Years Act).
This vaccine may be required in certain workplaces.
Reporting vaccinations
Access and update your COVID-19 immunization records through the provincial COVID-19 vaccine portal.
What are the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Like any other vaccine or medication, there are potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, although not everyone experiences them. Individuals who experienced side effects mostly reported them as being mild and within the first two days after vaccination. The most common side effects include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, and mild fever. These are all expected reactions to vaccines because of the immune response. You can find more information on the side effects for each vaccine on the Health Canada website.
If someone experiences an adverse event following immunization, they should report it to a healthcare professional (e.g., family doctor).An adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is an unwanted or unexpected health effect that happens after someone receives a vaccine, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine. Public health surveillance of AEFIs is important for timely detection of rare vaccine safety issues.
Healthcare professionals should complete the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Form and send it to the local public health unit.
Where can you get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Select pharmacy locations and primary care providers offer vaccination against COVID-19. We encourage you to seek out COVID-19 vaccines from pharmacies and primary care providers. Public health offers limited appointments for select groups who have less access through other providers throughout the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts. Please visit our clinic page for more information.
COVID-19 vaccines are offered when directed by the Ministry of Health. Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website for more information and to learn about when you should get your next dose.
Should you get a vaccine after a COVID-19 infection?
COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended regardless of whether you have had a COVID-19 infection. Your body will build antibodies to help fight COVID-19 after being infected, however, over time your immunity will wane, and you can be re-infected with COVID-19. It is recommended that you wait 6 months after COVID-19 infection before getting your next dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Should you report your out of province or out of country COVID-19 vaccine?
If you have received COVID-19 vaccination outside of Ontario or Canada, you may need to submit your proof of vaccination to have your COVID-19 immunization record documented in the provincial database (COVaxON). This ensures optimal protection so that future COVID-19 vaccine doses can be given safely and at the appropriate time intervals. Out of province or country doses should be recorded for the following groups:
- Children younger than 5 years of age who have received 1 or more doses outside of Ontario
- Those aged 5 years and older who have received 1 or more doses outside of Ontario within the last 6 months.
Any other doses will only be recorded at the discretion of Public Health.
What else should you know about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Cost
This vaccine is publicly funded, meaning it is free of charge for those who are eligible. No matter where you get the vaccine in Ontario, there is no cost (in a hospital, walk-in clinic, health care provider’s office or public health unit).
For a list of publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, see the Ontario Immunization Schedule.
Risk and benefits
Talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated if you have special health conditions or concerns. Learn more about special considerations prior to vaccination.
For more information:
- Government of Ontario, COVID-19 vaccines
- Contact us
- See our frequently asked questions or send us your question
- See our list of helpful websites for information about vaccination