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 four 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) - at this time, we are not aware if and when the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available in our district.

What are the differences between the four vaccines?

The four 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 four vaccines: 

What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work?

mRNA stands for Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. These vaccines teach your body to make a piece of a protein from the COVID-19 virus using instructions from the virus, called mRNA.

The instructions tell cells in your body how to make part of a harmless protein from the virus. Once the cells make the protein, the instructions are broken down. The cells display the pieces of protein they have created on the outside of your cell and 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 later on. mRNA vaccines do not change or affect your own DNA.

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

The AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines that Health Canada approved are viral vector-based. These vaccines use genetically modified viruses (vectors) that are harmless to humans. Viral vector-based vaccines have been used to develop:

• many vaccines for animals
• an Ebola vaccine approved by a number of international regulators

Here’s how they work:

These vaccines 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.

Will other COVID-19 vaccines become available?

Are the current vaccines used in Canada effective against the Variants of Concern?

Current COVID-19 vaccines were designed around earlier versions of coronavirus, but scientists believe they should still work against the new ones. It is extremely unlikely the mutations would render vaccines useless.

The leading vaccine manufacturers are monitoring 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, has stated that 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 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 is herd immunity?

When most of a population is immune to an infectious disease, this provides indirect protection - also known as herd immunity or herd protection - to those who are not immune to the disease.

For example, if 80% of a population is immune to a virus, four out of every five people who come across someone with the disease won’t get sick (and won’t spread the disease any further). In this way, the spread of infectious diseases is kept under control.

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?

The vaccines are very effective at preventing COVID-19 if you have the recommended two doses. At this time, it is not known if you can still get and give the infection to someone if you have been exposed to the virus after vaccination.

Can my child receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Why should youth (12-17 years) get vaccinated?

Youth aged 12 to 17 are now able to be vaccinated. You must be at least 12 years of age on the day of the vaccination. The vaccine is free, voluntary, safe and it works!

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 and the community. Check out the Child and Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet to learn more.

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.

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 12 years of age or older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You can get it by appointment at one of our upcoming vaccine clinics, or by appointment at a participating pharmacy. Find out more about appointments.

When will vaccine clinics be run?

Vaccine clinics are now taking place throughout the district. The Health Unit is scheduling clinics based on vaccine availability and Ontario’s vaccination distribution plan. To find clinic dates, times, location and eligibility criteria, visit our COVID-19 vaccination page.

Which vaccine will I receive? Will it be the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson?

• 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; however, at this time, individuals 12 to 17 years of age should book their appointment by phone to ensure they are booked into a clinic that will be offering the Pfizer vaccine.
• AstraZeneca is available at certain pharmacies in the Health Unit District for individuals 40 years of age and older. To book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine, contact the pharmacy directly.
• At this time, we are not aware whether the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will become available in our region.
• As all approved COVID-19 vaccines are similar, we encourage you to take the first vaccine available to you. 

I have a serious health condition. When can I get vaccinated?

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

There are very specific requirements for receiving your second dose sooner than 16 weeks after getting your first dose. You must have a letter of confirmation from your health care provider treating you for the highest-risk condition at the time of the first vaccine appointment. Individuals who have, or have had the following, may qualify for a shortened time interval:

• blood bone or lymph cancers on immunocompromising therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy)
• organ transplant
• stem cell transplants

When will indigenous people get their vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to Indigenous adults 18 years of age or older, whether or not you live in a First Nations community. To learn more about 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. COVID-19 infections during pregnancy can be very serious, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks. For safety reasons, mRNA vaccines (such as Pfizer and Moderna) are preferred over viral vector vaccines (like AstraZeneca) for pregnant individuals. 

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.

Who should not get the vaccine?

• People who have allergies to the COVID-19 vaccine ingredients (talk to your doctor or health care provider to find out more);
• People who are sick, currently have COVID-19, or have got a different vaccine in the past two weeks should wait to get vaccinated.
• People who have had a serious allergic reaction to their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive a second dose.

Right now, the following people are not routinely being offered the COVID-19 vaccine because they were not included in the vaccine trials:

• Under 12 years old (for the Pfizer vaccine) or 18 years old (for the Moderna vaccine);
• Acutely ill individuals; as a precautionary measure;
• Individuals who have received another vaccine (not a COVID-19 vaccine) in the past 14 days.

If you fit in to any of these three categories and believe you would benefit from being vaccinated, talk to your doctor or health care provider.

If you are immunocompromised, have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may still receive the vaccine, but should talk to you healthcare provider first and make sure it is right for you.

Is the vaccine mandatory?

If I don't get the vaccine when it's my turn, will I be able to get it later?

Yes. Everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one any time after their priority grouping has been announced. For example, if a frontline health care worker in a long-term care home is prioritized to get their vaccine in phase 1 but is unsure about taking it and decides to delay, they can choose to get vaccinated at any point afterwards.

What happens if I choose not to be vaccinated?

At this time we don’t know whether proof of vaccination may be required for some activities, nor whether proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will eventually become mandatory for school-aged children.

How will the vaccine be given? Is the vaccine one dose or two?

Can I just get one dose?

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 or is it just the two doses?

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 are sick or have COVID-19 right now. Wait until you are better to get the vaccine.

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?

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. In most cases it is, but you should talk with your primary healthcare provider to learn if it’s safe for you to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

When can I make an appointment?

You can book an appointment any time at www.Ontario.ca/BookVaccine. If you cannot book online, you may call the Provincial Booking Line between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. at 1-833-943-3900.

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

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.

How can I book an appointment?

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations can only 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. It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

If you have questions or need further assistance after trying these options, 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?

Can essential caregivers receive a vaccine at the same time as their care recipient?

How do I schedule my second appointment?

Check Ontario's website to make sure you are eligible to receive your second dose. If your second appointment was not scheduled when you booked your first appointment, you may book your second appointment online at www.Ontario.ca/BookVaccine, or by calling the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900. You may also call our COVID-19 Call Centre at 1-844-478-1400. 

If possible, bring your receipt from the first dose to your second appointment. This will help speed up your appointment.

How do I change, cancel or rebook an appointment?

• 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 do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Your Ontario health (OHIP) card (if you have one) or another piece of government-issued identification
• Assistive or accessibility devices (if you need them)

Please wear:

• A face covering at all times
• A T-shirt or sleeveless top that allows easy access to your upper arm and shoulder area.

Can someone come with me to my appointment if I need help?

Will wheelchairs be available?

 Will there be Wi-Fi available to access the barcode that was given to me when I booked online?

What should I do when I arrive?

• Do not come if you feel unwell. Stay home and reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to the virus.
• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment and no sooner.
• Parking will be different at every location. Follow the signage provided.
• Be patient.
• Continue to follow public health measures:
  • Wear a face covering or mask covering the nose, mouth and chin.
  • Keep at least two (2) metres away from people you do not live with.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often.

How long do I need to stay for after my vaccine?

You will be asked to wait for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine to make sure you are feeling well. Do not drive during this time.

You may be asked to wait at the clinic for up to 30 minutes if there is any concern you might have an allergic reaction.

Once I am considered “fully vaccinated,” do I still have to follow public health measures? 

 How do I get proof of my COVID-19 vaccinations?

1) Go to covid-19.ontario.ca. 

2) Click on the drop-down menu under the vaccines tab and select booking support.  This will open a new window.

3) Scroll down to the section on Vaccination Receipts and select ‘Get your electronic receipt.’

4) Sign in to the COVID-19 Vaccination site to access your receipt. 

If you have a red and white health card or are having any difficulties, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.  The call centre agent can email you a copy of your receipt.

What if I received my first or both 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 1-888-478-1400 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
• Email a copy of your vaccination record to vpd@healthunit.ca
• 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
• 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. Please allow at least 5 business days for your record to be updated.

If someone travels after receiving the vaccine, do they still need to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from their trip?

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.

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.

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

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.