What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

A vaccine is a medicine that gets your immune system to produce antibodies. Antibodies are proteins trained to recognize the virus and protect your immune system against it. They can be produced after getting vaccinated, but also by being infected with the virus. After getting vaccinated for COVID-19, you develop some immunity to the virus, without having to get COVID-19 first. This is what makes vaccines such powerful medicine. Unlike most medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Health Canada has approved five COVID-19 vaccines for use in Canada:

• Pfizer-BioNTech
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca - at this time, AstraZeneca is not offered at our vaccine clinics; however, it is available at certain pharmacies.
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Novavax

What are the differences between the four vaccines?

The vaccines approved in Canada are similar in many ways and they are all highly effective in protecting against COVID-19. Here is a chart comparing the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccine.

How were the vaccines approved for use in Canada?

Drugs, including vaccines, are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and regulations. They must meet the regulatory requirements for safety, efficacy and quality before they can be approved for use and distribution in Canada. Health Canada is responsible for approving vaccines.

Before approving a vaccine, they look carefully at the:

• scientific and clinical evidence — including results of clinical trials — to determine if a vaccine product is safe, effective and manufactured to the highest quality
• safety and efficacy of the vaccine to determine that
  • there are no concerns;
  • the vaccine can trigger a strong enough immune response to protect against disease;
  • the benefits outweigh the risks
• manufacturing process to make sure the manufacturer can carry out the necessary quality controls for the vaccine

If there is not enough evidence to support the manufacturer’s safety, effectiveness or quality claims, Health Canada will not authorize the vaccine and the product cannot be sold in Canada.

Find out more about Health Canada’s:

• vaccine approval process
• review of COVID-19 vaccines

The vaccines were developed so quickly. How can I be sure they are safe?

Creating a new vaccine usually takes years. However, the COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly for many reasons, including:

• being informed by decades of research on other strains of coronavirus before COVID-19 (such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Sars-CoV, also known as SARS)
• advances in science and technology
• scientists, health professionals, researchers, industry and governments around the world all working together
• more dollars were quickly put towards the creation of these vaccines

Before any vaccines are available in Ontario, they:

• undergo intense clinical trials to make sure they are safe and effective
• are evaluated and authorized for use by Health Canada, using very high standards

Ontario makes sure vaccines remain safe by:

• transporting and storing vaccines safely and securely at required conditions and temperatures
• finding safe clinic spaces to vaccinate people and providing the required training to those giving the vaccines
• monitoring for any adverse reactions or side effects that may take place after vaccination, taking appropriate measures and working with the federal government, other provinces and territories

Once a vaccine is in use, Canada has a strong vaccine safety monitoring system to tell public health authorities about changing trends or unusual reactions that were not reported before.

Read more information on vaccines and vaccine authorization updates from the Government of Canada.

What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work?

mRNA stands for Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna, give cells in your body instructions to make part of a harmless a protein from the COVID-19 virus.

Once the cells make the protein, the instructions are broken down. The cells display the pieces of protein they have created, then your body recognizes that protein as foreign and develops an immune response.

This response will recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19 if you are exposed to it later on.

mRNA vaccines do not change or affect your own DNA.

What is a viral vector-based vaccine and how does it work?

Viral vector vaccines, like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, introduce instructions from the virus that causes COVID-19 using a non-COVID-19 virus that has been modified to be inactive and harmless. This is known as a vector.

The vector only carries the instructions to make a specific protein from the COVID-19 virus. Similar to the mRNA virus, once the body creates that protein, it produces an immune response, which will recognize and fight future infections.

Viral vector-based vaccines have been used to develop many vaccines for animals, and an Ebola vaccine approved by a number of regulators around the world.

People are now getting a third, fourth or fifth dose. Does a two-dose series not offer strong enough protection?

Immunity to COVID-19 from the vaccine appears to be waning somewhat, especially in individuals with weaker immune systems, but two doses of the vaccine still provides excellent protection against severe illness, and a third or booster dose can help with the waning immunity and further lowering the risk of severe illness. 

Are the COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada effective against the Variants of Concern?

Current COVID-19 vaccines were designed around earlier versions of coronavirus, but evidence is showing they still work against the new ones. 

The leading vaccine manufacturers monitor how well their vaccines control these new variants and are ready to tweak the vaccine design to ensure they will protect against these emerging variants. Moderna, for example, stated it will adjust the second or booster injection to more closely match the sequence of the variants. This is why it is critical that people return to get the second and third dose when it is their time to do so.

Why should I get vaccinated if the COVID-19 infection has a 99% survival rate?

COVID-19 can be a serious illness for many people, and for some people, symptoms can last for months. The virus can even damage the heart, brain, lungs and increase the risk of long-term health problems. Even young, healthy people can feel unwell for weeks to months following the COVID-19 infection.

The short-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are less than the risk and potential long-term health damages caused by the COVID-19 virus.

Some people have had COVID-19 twice and they "should have" had antibodies against the virus. Why do we think the vaccine will work when having the virus didn't protect some people?

Neither having the infection previously nor getting the vaccine can provide 100% protection against COVID-19. Since everyone’s body responds differently to vaccines, we recommend that everyone - whether or not they are immunized or previously infected - continue to follow public health guidelines.

What percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity?

The percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity depends on many factors such as how contagious an infection is. Usually 50% to 90% of a population needs to be immunized before infection rates start to go down. Since some variants are more contagious than others, it is difficult to determine an exact percentage at this time. This is an area of ongoing research. The more people vaccinated with two doses of vaccine the better, as it helps to create herd immunity.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent you from getting COVID-19, or will it decrease the severity of the virus if I get infected?

Why should children and youth get vaccinated?

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all. However, some children with COVID-19 can get very sick. Children can also spread COVID-19 to other people. Vaccinating children protects them from getting sick and reduces virus spread within their household, school and the community. Check out the Child and Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet to learn more, or find more vaccine resources on our Child Care and COVID-19 Page. 

The vaccine is free, voluntary, safe and it works.

Do I need a parent to consent or attend my appointment with me?

Every vaccine that is given requires informed consent. Informed consent means that before receiving a vaccine, a person understands what the vaccination involves, why it is being recommended, possible side effects, and the risks and benefits if they accept or refuse the vaccine. It includes the opportunity for a safe and open discussion with a healthcare practitioner who will ultimately support their voluntary choice.

Trained and experienced nurses are available at our clinics to talk with you and your children about the vaccine and answer any questions or concerns your child may have before giving consent.

Can a parent or guardian request information about a youth’s appointment or health?

If a parent or guardian requests information about a youth’s appointment or their health, the Health Unit will require that youth’s permission to share their information with someone else.

Confidentiality is a legal obligation not to disclose information obtained in confidence without a person’s consent and applies to youth as well as adults. In most situations, a capable youth has the right to determine who will be given access to their personal health information, including parents or guardians. Sometimes, a youth may want to speak to their healthcare practitioner alone, and keep information or the decision to obtain a treatment like a vaccine, private.

When can I get the vaccine?

Anyone five years of age or older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You can get it at one of our upcoming vaccine clinics, or by appointment at a participating pharmacy or doctor's office.

Which vaccine will I receive? Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Novavax?

• Currently, clinics in our region are offering Pfizer and Moderna. It is likely you will not know which one you are receiving until you arrive at your appointment. 
• AstraZeneca is available at certain pharmacies in the Health Unit District. To book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine, contact the pharmacy directly.
• As all approved COVID-19 vaccines are similar, we encourage you to take the first vaccine available to you. 
• Upon request, or if you have an allergy to mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna), you can get Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) or Novavax. You must have informed consent and request this vaccine by calling us at 1-844-478-1400. 

Do my first, second, third and/or fourth dose need to be the same brand?

No. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has confirmed that getting a different brand of COVID-19 vaccine for your first and second dose is safe and is effective at protecting you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and variants.

Individuals five to 11 years age should receive the pediatric Pfizer vaccine for their full series of doses.

How long do I need to wait before getting my second dose? 

If your first dose was Moderna, you are eligible get your second dose 28 days after your first. If your first dose was Pfizer, you are eligible to get your second dose 21 days after your first dose. However, recent studies have shown that waiting eight weeks between doses (regardless of brand) may provide the strongest immunity.

Although we recommend eight weeks between first and second doses for all age groups, five to 11 year olds may receive their second dose as early as three weeks after their first.  

I’m considered a Highest Risk individual. Can I get my second dose sooner?

Everyone is able to receive their second dose 21 days after a first dose of Pfizer, or 28 days after a first dose of Moderna. Highest Risk individuals (organ or stem cell transplant recipients, blood bone or lymph cancers on chemotherapy, targeted therapies orimmunotherapy) are not eligible to receive a second dose earlier than this time frame.

Who is eligible for a third dose, and how long should they wait after their second dose?

Individuals age 12 and older are eligible for a third dose. 12 to 17-year-olds should wait 168 days between their second and third dose. Indiviudals 18 and older can get their third dose 84 days after their second dose.

You must be at least 18 at the time of your third dose appointment.

Exceptions:

The recommended time between second and third doses for moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals and individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) is 56 days. In some situations, the interval may be determined by their health care provider. Immunocompromised individuals under 16 can receive a third dose with a written letter from their health care provider.

Health care workers, First Nations, Indigenous and Metis individuals are eligible to receive their third dose at age 16.

Use the Huron Perth Public Health Dose Calculator to find out what date you will be able to get your third dose.

Learn more about third dose eligibility and recommendations.

Who is eligible for a fourth dose, and how long should they wait after their third dose?

All individuals 18 and older are eligible for their fourth dose (second booster) as of July 14. Second booster doses are being offered at an interval of five months after an individual receives their first booster dose.

High-risk individuals who should get their second booster (fourth dose) as soon as possible and many of whom have been eligible to do so for months include:

• Individuals aged 60 and over;
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
• Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home, or Elder Care Lodge and older adults living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; and
• Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised

I'm Indigenous. How can I get vaccinated?

 To learn more about Indigenous eligibility and when and where you can be vaccinated, contact:

• For North Bay and area – the Health Unit: 1-844-478-1400.
• For Mattawa and area – the Mattawa Hospital: 705-744-5511 ext. 2230
• For Parry Sound and area – the Parry Sound Friendship Centre: 705-746-5970

I’m pregnant. Should I get the vaccine?

Yes. It's recommended that all pregnant individuals, at any stage in pregnancy, get vaccinated as soon as possible. Unvaccinated pregnant individuals are at higher risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death compared to non-pregnant individuals. COVID-19 infections during pregnancy can be very serious, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. Learn more.

Should I get the vaccine if I'm breastfeeding?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is safe, effective and recommended for individuals who are breastfeeding. The mRNA from vaccines doesn’t transfer in breast milk, but vaccinated breastfeeding individuals produce antibodies which fight the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies do transfer in the breast milk and provide protection to the infant. Read more.

Is the vaccine mandatory?

Some places, such as hospitals, home and community sevice providers and non-essential services will require employees, contactors, students and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 is also a common requirement for international travel. Whether you're planning a trip down the street or abroad, check with your destination to learn whether vaccine mandates are in place and what options they may offer if you are not vaccinated. 

Can I just get one dose?

For most individuals, two doses are recommended for maximum protection. 

Upon request, or if you have an allergy to mRNA vaccines (like Pfizer or Moderna), you can get Johnson & Johnson (Janssen). You must have informed consent and request this vaccine by calling us at 1-844-478-1400. Only one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is needed to be considered fully vaccinated, although a booster shot is recommended after 84 days.

How long does it take after I’m vaccinated before I am protected against COVID-19?

Studies have shown that the vaccine starts to take effect approximately 14 days after the first dose, and provides even more protection seven to 14 days after the second dose. Here is a summary of estimated vaccine efficacy for vaccines currently being used in our district:

CI=confidence interval

*from day 22 up to day 90 after dose 1

Will people need to get the vaccine every year?

If I tested positive for COVID-19 in the past, should I still get the vaccine?

Yes. You will have some immunity from your infection, but it is not known how long it will last. There are cases where people have gotten COVID-19 again before they could get vaccinated.

You should not get the vaccine if you're sick or have COVID-19 right now. Wait until you're better to get the vaccine.

If you're 12 or older, and get COVID-19 after your primary series but before your booster dose, it's recommended you receive your booster dose three months after symptom onset or positive test result (if you're symptom-free.)

Evidence shows that a longer time between COVID-19 infection and vaccination is associated with improved antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines.

With informed consent, you can receive a booster dose once you no longer have symptoms and have completed your isolation.

I just got vaccinated for something else. Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine now?

If I had a reaction to a different vaccine in the past, can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you had an allergic reaction within 4 hours and/or anaphylaxis that happened with a vaccine or injectable medication that does not contain a component or cross-reacting component of the COVID-19 vaccines, you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine as long as you are observed for at least 30 minutes immediately afterwards. 

If you're unsure, check with your doctor or health care provider. They will look at your medical records and help you make the decision.

Is it acceptable for someone with food or seasonal allergies to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. People with a history of significant allergic reactions and/or anaphylaxis to any food, drug, venom, latex or other allergens not related to the COVID-19 vaccine can get the COVID-19 vaccine followed by observation for at least 15 minutes.

Anyone with allergy issues like allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema can also receive the vaccine followed by observation for a minimum of 15 minutes.

I had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Should I get my next dose?

• If you had a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of its components, you should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a general vaccine clinic. An urgent referral to an allergist/immunologist is recommended to assess the method for possible (re)administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• If you had an allergic reaction within 4 hours of receiving a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components, do not receive a COVID-19 vaccine without first being evaluated by an allergist/immunologist to confirm you can safely receive the vaccine. 

Documentation of the discussion with the allergist/immunologist must be provided to the clinic and include:

• a vaccination care plan 
• details/severity of the previous allergic episode(s)
• confirmation that appropriate counselling on the safe administration of vaccine was provided
• date, the clinician’s name, signature and contact information
• the patient’s name and date of birth

Can I book an appointment for my family member or friend?

Yes, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment for yourself, a family member, friend or someone whose medical care and appointments you manage, as long as you have consent to do so. You may also walk in with them to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and accompany them throughout the process.

How can I book an appointment?

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations can be booked online or by phone. Individuals will not be able to book an appointment in-person at Health Unit office locations, or if they do not pass the screening for eligibility.

To book an appointment online, have your health card ready, and go to www.Ontario.ca/BookVaccine. From there, you will be able to register for an appointment. Once you have filled out all the fields, remember to click "confirm" to save your appointment.

If you're unable to book online, you may book your appointment over the phone by calling the Provincial Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 or our Call Centre at 1-844-478-1400.

You may also walk in to one of our upcoming clinics without booking an appointment. If possible, please bring your health card or other form of ID. At this time, walk-ins are not accepted at our Child and Youth clinics.

If you have questions or need further assistance, give us a call at 1-844-478-1400.

What if I don't have a health card?

Will the system accept an expired health card?

What do I do if I receive a "Health Card is invalid" message when booking online?

Can I schedule two people at the same location and time when booking online?

Booking appointments can only be done one at a time. However, there are many time slots available at each clinic, often making booking appointments close together possible. You can also walk in to one of our clinics as a pair or small group and receive the vaccine together.

How do I change, cancel or rebook an appointment?

If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online booking system, you can reschedule or cancel:

• online – go to the confirmation email you got when you booked and follow the instructions
• by phone - call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)

You will need your:

• health card (information on front and back)
• postal code

What if I forget or lose my appointment information?

If you scheduled a vaccination through the provincial online vaccine booking system and forget when or where your appointment is, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

You will need your:

• health card (information on the front and back)
• postal code

What if I received one of my COVID-19 vaccine doses out-of-province?

If you have only received your first dose and are looking to get your second:

• Contact the Health Unit Call Centre at 1-844-478-1400 to book an appointment, and tell the call centre agent that you received your first dose out of province.   

• Please bring an official record of your first dose with you to your second dose appointment. If you don’t have an official record with you, you’ll be asked to schedule another appointment for a later time when you are able to provide official records of your first dose.

• If you have not received a copy of your official first dose vaccination records, contact the booking system or health care provider you used to book your first dose.

If you have been fully vaccinated and are requesting to have your records added to the provincial database:

 There are several options to report your vaccine received outside of Ontario. You may:

• Fax a copy of your vaccination record to our confidential fax number: 705-474-9399
• Submit a copy of your vaccination record to Out of Province COVID-19 Vaccine Uploads Form
  
• Mail a copy of your vaccination record to one of the Health Unit office locations
• Bring your documents to the Health Unit office locations and drop off a copy of your vaccination record.

In order to have a valid proof of vaccination record, it must include:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address with Postal Code
• Vaccine product name
• Vaccine product lot number

To upload your documents into the provincial database, you will need to provide your Ontario Health Card Number at the time of providing your official vaccine record. While we try to update records within 10 business days, it may take longer due to current volumes. Thank you for your patience!

What are the common side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?

The most common side effects are mild to moderate. They include:

• pain at the injection site;
• headache;
• fatigue;
• muscle and joint pain;
• chills;
• fever.

I had side effects from my first dose. Should I get my second dose?

Even if you experience mild side effects, it is important to receive the second dose. You may get similar side effects with your second dose. 

If you had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, see above.

Are there any serious side effects?

Serious side effects are very rare. However, should you develop any of the following reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention right away or call 911 if you are severely unwell:

• Hives;
• Fever over 40C or 104F;
• Convulsions or seizures;
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness;
• Swelling of mouth and throat;
• Trouble breathing, hoarseness or wheezing;
• Other serious symptoms (e.g., “pins and needles” or numbness).

Rare side effects can be reported to our non-emergency vaccine intake line at 705-474-1400 ext. 5252

If someone gets one or more of the side effects from the vaccine will they need to self isolate and/or get tested since they are on COVID symptom list?

Since it does take an average of two weeks for the body to respond to the vaccine, anyone who has symptoms should self-isolate. It’s possible that someone could have been exposed to the virus in the days leading up to getting the vaccine. If they are feeling unwell they should stay home, self-isolate, and arrange to be tested for COVID-19 if symptoms continue. If they have had a known exposure to a positive or probable case, then yes, they should be tested.

What are the long term side effects of the vaccine?

Manufacturers are planning to follow clinical trial participants. They must communicate any potential safety concerns to Health Canada (Health Canada, 2020). Health professionals are required to report adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) to their local Health Unit so that these reactions can be compiled by Public Health Ontario.

Has the vaccine been shown to cause Bell's Palsy?

No. A direct connection with the vaccine and Bell’s palsy (a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis) has not been found. The Pfizer study examined 38,000 patients and found only four cases of Bell’s palsy among those who received the vaccine, but this is in keeping with the normal observed incidence of Bell's palsy in the population. The COVID-19 vaccine, like all vaccines, continues to be monitored for adverse events.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause blood clots?

To date, studies show that a very rare risk of abnormal bleeding and clotting in women under the age of 55 can occur with the use of AstraZeneca. These events occur in one to 10 of 1 million vaccine recipients. It is important to keep this in perspective. You have a higher chance of getting blood clots from birth control or hormone replacement therapy, being pregnant, smoking or even having COVID-19.

Some countries have recently paused the use of certain vaccines (AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson). Ongoing monitoring of vaccines is taking place.

Most medications we take have the potential for side effects; however, many of them help keep people alive. The risk of COVID-19 is much worse than the risk of the vaccine.

Does the vaccine cause myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart)?

Cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis in people who received the COVID-19 vaccine are very rare. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh their potential risks, as scientific evidence shows that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. The Government of Canada encourages people to get vaccinated and to complete their vaccine series as soon as they are eligible.

Can I get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine?

No, the vaccine does not cause COVID-19; however, it does take an average of two weeks for the vaccine to actually protect against COVID-19, so it’s possible someone could still get the virus after receiving the vaccine if they don’t follow public health measures.