COVID-19 Vaccinations in York Region

Are COVID-19 vaccines effective?

Beginning about two weeks after the first dose, all COVID-19 vaccines currently approved are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, particularly serious illness to yourself and to other vulnerable populations. Vaccination helps the immune system protect against disease and is one of our most effective lines of defense as other measures are removed.

It’s important to get vaccinated and stay up to date. Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. The Ministry of Health Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses guide provides more information, including a helpful table showing when to receive each dose by age group.

How well is the vaccine tested? Is it safe?

Only vaccines that are safe and effective for widespread use are approved by Health Canada for use in Canada. Vaccines are tightly regulated and closely monitored in Canada and each vaccine has been rigorously tested in a series of large-scale trials.

While mild or moderate side effects are possible, they typically subside in a few days. These might include soreness at the injection site, body chills, feeling tired or feverish. Some symptoms can be part of the body’s response to developing immunity. Side effects may be more common with the second dose. Serious side effects are rare.

Some side effects can be similar to symptoms of COVID-19. If you have concerns about symptoms after immunization, please speak to your health care provider to determine if you need further assessment.

Vaccines are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness at federal, provincial and local levels. Health care providers and the public also play a part in this, by reporting any uncommon side effects after a receiving a vaccine.

How can the vaccine be developed so quickly?

COVID-19 vaccines were developed faster than some other vaccines because of never-before seen levels of collaboration and funding invested around the world. Health Canada only approves vaccines that are safe and effective and meet all standards.

Development of the COVID-19 vaccine is progressing quickly for many reasons, including:

• Leveraging existing vaccine research programs
• International collaboration among scientists, health professionals, researchers, industries and governments
• Increased dedicated funding
• Quick recruitment of participants for clinical trials
• Rapid set-up and analysis of clinical trials to demonstrate vaccine effectiveness
• Reduction of unnecessary time delays in the vaccine approval process

Is mRNA technology new?

Like all vaccines, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety before being approved. mRNA technology has been studied for more than a decade. The “m” from mRNA means “messenger” which is exactly what the vaccine does – it sends a message to your cells to make antibodies to fight against the virus that causes COVID-19. It blocks the virus from attaching and getting into your body’s cells. It cannot change your DNA and it cannot not give you COVID-19.

What types of COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use in Canada?

mRNA (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are recommended. However, if you are unable or prefer not to receive an mRNA vaccine, you are eligible to receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as part of or all of your primary series or as a booster dose.

Viral vector vaccines (e.g., Janssen) are only available for those who have a medical reason they can’t get the mRNA or Novavax vaccine (e.g. allergy to an mRNA and Novavax vaccine). To receive a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, a note from your health care provider is required indicating that you medically cannot receive all other available vaccines (mRNA vaccines and Novavax vaccine).

If you have any additional questions, please call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Access York is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (Comirnaty)
Developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech, this vaccine has been approved by Health Canada.

Health Canada has approved the vaccine for use in people 12 years of age (born in 2009) and older. Health Canada has also approved the Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine for children six months to 11 years of age.

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know

Moderna Vaccine (Spikevax)
Developed by Moderna Therapeutics Inc., this vaccine has been approved by Health Canada.

Health Canada has approved the vaccine for use in people six years of age and older. Health Canada has also approved the Paediatric Moderna vaccine for children six months to four years of age. Pfizer is the preferred and recommended vaccine for individuals five to 17 years of age; however, Moderna may be provided with informed consent.

Health Canada has also approved the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in individuals 18 years of age or older (NOTE: Individuals 12 to 17 years of age can also get the Moderna bivalent vaccine if they have a weakened immune system). 

Questions and Answers for Caregivers of Children Age Six Months to Four Years

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know

AstraZeneca Vaccine (Vaxzevria)
Developed by AstraZeneca in partnership with Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute of India.

With the introduction and availability of the Novavax vaccine in Canada, the AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer available at York Region Public Health clinics.

AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know

Novavax Nuvaxovid Vaccine

Developed by Novavax, this is the first recombinant protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in Canada for individuals 18 years of age and older. It provides a new option for people who have been unable or unwilling to receive an mRNA or viral vector COVID-19 vaccine. 

If the Novavax vaccine is selected as a booster dose, informed consent includes an understanding that:

• The use of Novavax as a booster is not yet approved by Health Canada
• There are potential unknown risks of using this vaccine as a booster dose

Interested individuals wishing to obtain this vaccine may book an appointment at a clinic offering the Novavax vaccine directly from york.ca/COVID19Vaccine

Novavax Nuvaxovid Vaccine: What you should know

Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccine
Developed by Janssen, the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson.

This vaccine is only available for those who have a medical contraindication (e.g., allergy) to an mRNA and Novavax vaccine. To receive a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, a note from your health care provider is required indicating a contraindication to all other available vaccines (mRNA vaccines and Novavax vaccine). 

Health Canada has approved the vaccine for use in people 18 years of age and older. This vaccine requires only one dose to complete the primary series. It may also be provided as a booster dose.

Janssen COVID-19 vaccine: What you should know

Eligible individuals who wish to obtain this vaccine and have received a signed note from their health care provider may book an appointment at a clinic offering the Janssen vaccine directly from york.ca/COVID19Vaccine

Medicago Covifenz Vaccine

Developed by Medicago, this is the first COVID-19 vaccine that uses a plant-based technology for adults 18 to 64 years of age. 

Medicago Covifenz Vaccine: What you need to know

At this time, there is limited information on the availability of this vaccine. Interested individuals wishing to obtain this vaccine may be placed on a waitlist by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675 (Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Will the vaccine still work on new COVID-19 emerging strains? Are the new strains more contagious?

The Omicron variant (specifically BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants) are the current dominant variants circulating in our communities.  Compared to other strains, Omicron is much more contagious.

Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is the first bivalent COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada. It targets the original SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant.

Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. It was also found to generate a good immune response against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants and is expected to extend the durability of protection.

We are still learning about new COVID-19 strains. It is important we remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce spread and continue to follow all current public health measures.

Can I choose which vaccine I get? Are some better than others?

All vaccines approved by Health Canada are effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death. At a Public Health clinic, you will receive an original (monovalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to complete a primary series (for most people this is two doses). Eligible individuals who attend a clinic for a booster dose (having completed a primary series) will receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

For individuals 18 years of age and older, if the vaccine product you received for your most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose is not available at your upcoming appointment (i.e. you received Pfizer but Moderna is available), it’s recommended you receive the mRNA vaccine available at that time. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) considers both available mRNA vaccines to be interchangeable, if the same product is not readily available.

Youth between five to 17 years of age without a weakened immune system will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, based on directions from the Ministry of Health.

Children between six months to four years of age will receive the Paediatric Moderna (two-dose primary series) or Paediatric Pfizer (three-dose primary series) COVID-19 vaccine. Mixing vaccines is not recommended for this age group; your child should receive the same product for all their primary series doses, whether it is Pfizer or Moderna.  

All COVID-19 vaccines provide sustained, substantial protection approximately 14 days following the first dose.

What are the differences between mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines?

Like all vaccines, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (e.g. Pfizer and Moderna) have been rigorously tested for safety before being approved; mRNA technology has been studied for more than a decade

The “m” from mRNA means “messenger” which is exactly what the vaccine does – it sends a message to your cells to make antibodies to fight against the virus that causes COVID-19. It blocks the virus from attaching and getting into your body’s cells

Viral vector-based vaccines (e.g. Astra Zeneca and Janssen) use a harmless virus, such as an adenovirus, as a delivery system

This “vector” virus is not the virus that causes COVID-19; adenoviruses are among the viruses that can cause the common cold and many have been used as delivery systems for other vector-based vaccines for decades

When a person is given the vaccine, the vector virus contained within the vaccine produces the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein will not make you sick. It does its job and goes away

What are precautions for receiving the vaccine?

If you experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to an ingredient of, or previous dose of, the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, you should not receive the vaccine without consulting with your health care provider. Your health care provider will help determine your options for first and/or second doses.

If you had a mild to moderate allergic reaction after your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you are required to bring a letter from your health care provider indicating the vaccine can be administered.

Please delay vaccination if you have a fever or have COVID-10 symptoms and are supposed to be isolating. If you have had COVID-19 and have completed your primary vaccine series, you should wait at least three months before you get a booster dose. Waiting for six months may provide even greater protection. If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and get sick with COVID-19, you should wait two months before getting another COVID-19 vaccine. If you are immunocompromised, the recommended wait time is one to two months.

Individuals five years of age and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as, or any time before or after, any other vaccines. There is no need to delay COVID-19 vaccination or to wait to receive any other vaccine. 

Children six months to four years of age can receive the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before or after receiving another vaccine, (including the flu shot). With parental consent, there may be circumstances when a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine need to be given at a shorter interval; a health care provider can help with this decision.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory? Are there restrictions for individuals who choose not to get vaccinated?

The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory and effective March 1, 2022, the provincial government has lifted proof of vaccination requirements; however, some businesses and organizations may require proof of vaccination at their own discretion.

Vaccination policies may also be mandated within certain workforce sectors. Speak to your employer about policies specific to your workplace. Some travel requirements may also apply to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

I don’t feel I am at risk for serious illness or death from COVID-19. Why should I get vaccinated?

Anyone can get COVID-19 and become very sick. Even without underlying health conditions or other risk factors, there is no way to know how seriously COVID-19 can impact you. COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications and if you get sick, you could spread the disease to loved ones and others around you. Like all vaccines, people who are vaccinated gain protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick from exposure to the virus.

Your choice to receive a vaccine can also help protect others unable to receive a vaccine themselves and those at risk for severe illness.

Should I still get vaccinated if I previously had COVID-19?

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people who have had COVID-19 in the past. The Province of Ontario, in alignment with NACI, continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccines be offered to individuals with previous COVID-19 infection with the suggested intervals below. 

If you have had COVID-19 and have completed your primary vaccine series, you should wait at least three months before you get a booster dose. Waiting for six months may provide even greater protection. If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and get sick with COVID-19, you should wait two months before getting another COVID-19 vaccine. If you are immunocompromised, the recommended wait time is one to two months.

Can I contract COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. The approved vaccines and do not contain the virus. The vaccines cannot give you an infection or the disease (COVID-19).

Is the vaccine safe if I have allergies?

If you experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to an ingredient of, or previous dose of, the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine, you should not receive the vaccine without consulting with your health care provider. Your health care provider will help determine your options for first and/or second doses

If you experienced a less severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a component of a COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. You are required to bring a letter from your health care provider indicating the vaccine can be administered.

Should I get the vaccine if I am trying to become pregnant or am breastfeeding?

People who are trying to become pregnant now or who plan to try in the future may receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no association between COVID-19 vaccines and fertility problems. The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause infertility. As COVID-19 in pregnancy can put you at higher risk of severity of illness – vaccination is highly recommended during pregnancy. It is strongly recommended that partners or family members of pregnant individuals get vaccinated as well to reduce the chance of exposure to COVID-19.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada recommends that all individuals who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more in this helpful information sheet.

Where/how do I report vaccine side effects?

Serious side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are rare; however, if you are severely unwell or you develop any of the following adverse reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine, call 911 and seek medical attention right away:

• Hives 
• Swelling of the face or mouth 
• Trouble breathing 
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness 
• High fever (over 40°C) 
• Convulsions or seizures 
• Other serious symptoms

IMPORTANT: Seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations following immunization (symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis).

There have been rare reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart) following vaccination with an mRNA vaccine:

• Cases were more commonly reported after the second dose
• Symptom onset was typically within several days after vaccination 
• Cases were mainly adolescents and young adults, and more often males compared to females
• Many cases experienced mild or temporary illness, responded well to rest and conservative treatment and symptoms improved quickly

If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your health care provider.

Can a COVID-19 Vaccine Impact My Mammogram Results?

Yes. Speak to your health care provider to let them know you have already received the vaccine, or if you will soon be receiving a first or second dose.

Vaccines of all types, including the COVID-19 vaccine, can cause temporary swelling of the lymph nodes as part of the normal immune response to the vaccine. This can happen after the first or second dose. This temporary swelling can cause your mammogram to appear abnormal even when you are ok.

The Canadian Society of Breast Imaging and Canadian Association of Radiologists’ recommends scheduling screening exams prior to the first dose, or six weeks following either dose in average risk patients. Women who are overdue for screening due to pandemic delays or who are experiencing symptomatic breast concerns should proceed to mammography despite timing of vaccinations. Speak to your health care provider for specific advice for your personal health situation.

Do I need to continue to follow public health safety measures after I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Although the vaccine is effective at preventing infection or serious illness approximately 14 days after your first dose, there is still a chance you can contract COVID-19.

We must continue to follow the current public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy and remember to stay home if you are unwell.

How long do I need to isolate if I test positive for COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone else who has?

If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, or have tested positive, isolating will help stop the spread of the virus. Visit the Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment and Testing page for detailed guidance, or visit Ontario.ca/exposed to complete the COVID-19 self-assessment to best determine your next steps.

If a known positive case receives a COVID-19 vaccine, do they need to be retested?

If a known positive case who receives a COVID-19 vaccine develops a symptom post-immunization but has no known or new high-risk exposures, they do not need to be retested.

If someone was negative for COVID-19 and had the vaccine and developed symptoms post-immunization, they may need to be retested.

For individuals who test positive and have also been vaccinated, do their close contacts still need to self-isolate?

Close contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should visit the Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment and Testing page for detailed guidance, or visit Ontario.ca/exposed to complete the COVID-19 self-assessment to best determine their next steps.

Can I choose which mRNA vaccine I get for my next dose?

All vaccines approved by Health Canada are effective at preventing COVID-19 infection, serious illness, hospitalization and death. At a Public Health clinic, you will receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to complete a primary series. Eligible individuals who attend a clinic for a booster dose (having completed a primary series) will receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

For individuals 18 years of age and older, if the vaccine you received for your first dose is not available at your second dose appointment, it’s recommended you receive the mRNA vaccine available at that time. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) considers both available mRNA vaccines to be interchangeable, if the same product is not readily available.

Youth between five to 17 years of age will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, based on directions from the Ministry of Health.

Children between six months to four years of age will receive the Paediatric Moderna (two-dose primary series) or Paediatric Pfizer (three-dose primary series) COVID-19 vaccine. Mixing vaccines is not recommended for this age group; your child should receive the same product for all their primary series doses, whether it is Pfizer or Moderna.

All COVID-19 vaccines provide sustained, substantial protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. 

Do I need another dose?

Protection from previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time. COVID-19 vaccines are much more effective after three doses, providing better and longer-lasting protection against the virus and its variants and ‘boosting’ our immune system, especially in those who are more at-risk for severe outcomes of the virus.

The bivalent vaccine provides additional benefit for those who have already received a first and/or second booster dose. Clinical trial results showed that a booster dose of the bivalent Moderna Spikevax vaccine triggers a strong immune response against both Omicron (BA.1) and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus strain. It was also found to generate a good immune response against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants and is expected to extend the durability of protection. In addition to your initial vaccine series, it is important to stay up to date with your vaccinations, including any eligible booster(s) when eligible.

How do I book an appointment or walk-in to receive a vaccine?

Visit our Vaccination Clinic page for full details on eligibility and booking. Walk-in appointments are currently not available. Until further notice, all vaccine doses will be administered by appointment only.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Speak to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health or getting the vaccine.
Do not attend your appointment if you are not feeling well or have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or sore throat. More information is also available on our Preparing for Your COVID-19 Vaccine page.

What do I need when I receive my vaccine?

When attending your vaccine appointment, you should wear a short sleeve shirt to ensure your arm is accessible when receiving the vaccine. You will also need an ID showing your proof of age, a face mask or covering and your OHIP card if you have one.

I don’t drive anymore, how can I get to my vaccination appointment?

Local and rapid transit services are available in all nine York Region municipalities. To learn more and to plan your trip, visit yrt.ca or call 1-866-668-3978

Residents 65+ who require transportation assistance for a vaccine appointment can call YRT Mobility On-Request directly at 1-866-744-1119 to arrange a ride. Interpretation services are available.

There are also other transportation services offered by community organizations such as (CHATS, Carefirst, Routes, Pinkcars.ca) you may be eligible for. For a complete list of community transportation options, call 211 or visit 211central.ca

When travelling on public transportation, please practice public health safety measures such as hand washing/sanitizing and wearing a face covering.