When can I get the vaccine?
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In Ontario, a three-phase Vaccine Distribution Implementation Plan is in effect, prioritizing the highest risk areas and individuals. When you can get the vaccine depends on:
- which of the three phases you fit as an individual.
- the time it takes for our Health Unit region to receive supply of the vaccine and work our way through the prioritized areas and individuals as listed in the provincial plan.
We will continue to receive small amounts of vaccine in the weeks and likely months to come, and let the appropriate people know when they are able to be vaccinated.
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Who will get vaccinated first?
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The Health Unit is following the provincial ethical framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. View our list of priority populations for early COVID-19 vaccination.
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If I don't get the vaccine when it's my turn, will I be able to get it later?
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Yes. Everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one. For example, a frontline health care worker in long-term care is prioritized to get their vaccine in phase 1, but they’re unsure, so they delay. They will be able to fit in any prioritization after their priority grouping. They can have it through to the end of phase 3.
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Is the vaccine mandatory?
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No. At this point, there is no indication that the Canadian or Ontario governments intend to make the vaccine mandatory.
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What happens if I choose not to be vaccinated?
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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 like other vaccines.
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I live and/or work on a First Nation. When will I get my vaccine?
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Adults in Indigenous communities are a priority population, so yes, those on a First Nation (live and/or work) will be among the first groups to be able to get the vaccine.
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Will independent seniors who are 70/80/90 years old, but not in a long-term care or retirement home be able to get a vaccine before the general population?
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Yes. Those who are 70 years of age and older are one of the priority high risk groups that will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine before the general population.
Vaccinations for this group will begin with adults 80 years of age and older and then decreasing the age limit by 5-year increments to age 70 years as supply becomes available.
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Can my child receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
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No. At this time, the vaccine is not licenced for those under 16 years old (for the Pfizer vaccine) or under 18 years old (for the Moderna vaccine). There’s not enough data available on the safety and effectiveness of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in children. Pediatric studies are ongoing, but until we can be certain the vaccines are suitable for children, they should not be administered to this group.
Given the serious impact of COVID-19 on older individuals, healthy children will be a lowest priority group in the vaccine rollout, even once vaccination is approved for this age group. As a result, it will be some time before children are offered the vaccine. However, as more adults get vaccinated, this will hopefully provide protection to children by reducing transmission from adults, such as parents or teachers, to children.
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If I had a reaction to a different vaccine in the past, can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine?
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Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past. They will look at your medical records and help you make the decision.
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Is it acceptable for someone with food or seasonal allergies to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
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Yes. In most cases it is, but you should discuss with your primary healthcare provider to learn if the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for you. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
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If I tested positive for COVID-19 in the past, should I still get the vaccine?
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Yes. You will have some immunity from your infection, but no one knows 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.
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I just got vaccinated for something else. Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine now?
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You should wait 14 days before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if you have had another type of vaccine. After receiving your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive any other vaccines for 28 days. If for some reason you need another vaccine within 28 days, discuss this with your health care provider.
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Who should not get the vaccine?
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- People who have allergies to the COVID-19 vaccine ingredients should not be vaccinated. Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you are unsure.
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine (first dose) should not receive a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Right now, the following people should not routinely be offered the COVID-19 vaccine because they were not included in the trials for most of the potential COVID-19 vaccines:
- Under 16 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 are immunocompromised, have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, we suggest having a conversation with your healthcare provider first to make an informed decision about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you believe you would benefit from being vaccinated, talk to your doctor or health care provider.
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When will vaccine clinics be run?
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Community clinics for the general public are a part of the third phase and are not expected to take place before the second or third quarters of 2021.
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How can I make an appointment to get the vaccine?
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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit will provide detailed updates to the general public on how to make an appointment once we receive vaccine shipments. Please continue to check our website or social media updates for more information. If you do not have access to online information, please feel free to call our call centre for updates.
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How will the vaccine be given? Is the vaccine one dose or two?
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The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the arm, just like most flu shots. You will need to get two doses, with the second one being 21 or 28 days later depending on the brand type you receive. Studies have shown that most people are not protected against COVID-19 for seven to 14 days after the second dose, depending on the vaccine brand.
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Can I just get one dose?
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A complete series includes two doses for maximum protection.
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Which COVID-19 vaccine will I receive?
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The type of vaccine will be dependent on what is available from the Ministry. At this point, there are only two vaccines licenced in Canada: Moderna and Pfizer. Both of these are most effective after receiving two doses. Whichever vaccine you receive in your first dose will be the same vaccine you receive as your second dose.
There is no need to be concerned about which vaccine you receive, since the differences between the two vaccines are minimal, and both are highly effective in protecting against COVID-19.
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Will people need to get the vaccine every year or is it just the two doses?
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At this time, both COVID-19 vaccines will only be administered in two doses. We do not know at this point if the vaccine will need to be given every year or not.
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Once I am considered fully vaccinated, do I still have to follow public health measures?
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Yes. Please continue to follow public health measures even after you are vaccinated. As larger numbers of people are vaccinated, or trends in the disease change, public health recommendations will likely change as well. Check the Health Unit website regularly to stay up-to-date with current recommendations and regulations.
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If someone travels after getting the vaccine, do they still need to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from their trip?
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Yes. Self-isolation for two weeks following travel is a requirement of the current Quarantine Act, and it will continue to remain in effect following vaccine administration. At this time, non-essential travel is not recommended.
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