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 very effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and serious illness.

When a large percentage of the population becomes immune to COVID-19, the spread of the virus will slow down or stop. Vaccination is our best shot for allowing individuals, families and workers to safely resume normal life.

Following your initial vaccine series, booster doses are vitally important for all those age 12+ who are now eligible. A recent study shows booster doses dramatically increase protection from severe outcomes like hospitalization or death, with 99% protection against severe outcomes from the Delta variant and 95% protection against severe outcomes from the Omicron variant.

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?

We are committed to helping you make an informed choice about COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines are an important part of overall health and disease prevention.

mRNA (e.g., Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are recommended. However, if you are unable or prefer to 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 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).

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 five 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. Pfizer is the preferred and recommended vaccine for individuals 5-29 years old however Moderna may be provided with informed consent.

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

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

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

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

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?

Both the Delta variant and the Omicron variant have mutations that make them much more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19.

Before Omicron, the Delta variant became the dominant variant of concern in many areas of Canada and the world. Studies have shown that Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines work very well against this COVID-19 variant.

The Omicron variant is even more contagious than the Delta variant and has quickly become the dominant COVID-19 strain in Ontario and many other parts of the world. Studies have shown that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine may have less protection against the Omicron variant compared to previous COVID-19 strains, and that a booster dose following the two dose vaccine series provides much greater protection against this highly contagious variant. We encourage everyone 18 years of age and older to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine three months after their second dose.

Youth 12 to 17 can receive their booster dose approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. With informed consent, individuals 12-17 years of age may receive a booster dose at a minimum of 3 months (84 days) after a second dose. Individuals must be 12 years old at the time of receiving the booster dose.

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 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

If you are under the age of 18, you will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, based on directions from the Ministry of Health.

All COVID-19 vaccines provide sustained, substantial protection approximately 14 days following the first dose. Residents are not provided a choice between vaccine when visiting a clinic.

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?

An individual is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:

• The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Novovax or Medicago COVID-19 vaccine), or any combination of such vaccines, or
• One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
• Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada
  and
• They received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago

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.

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 COVID-19 symptoms, are confirmed or suspected to currently have COVID-19. You may receive a COVID-19 vaccine once your illness has resolved.

You 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. Appointments for a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine must be at least 21 days after a first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or 28 days after a first dose of Moderna.

A consultation with your health care provider is recommended but not required before receiving the vaccine if you have a weak immune system from an illness or therapy, or an autoimmune condition. Individuals with a weakened immune system may be eligible for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics page for more information on third dose eligibility.

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. When a large percentage of the population becomes immune to COVID-19, the spread of the virus will slow down or stop. Achieving this herd immunity through vaccination is our best approach at ending the pandemic.

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.

Currently, provincial guidance recommends that those with two doses of vaccine who get sick with COVID-19 wait three months from the start of symptoms or a positive test to receive a booster dose. In theory, this maximizes long term immunity. However, for those who did not have a positive test and who prefer increased immediate protection, it is safe to get the booster dose as soon as you’ve recovered and have completed your isolation period.

Provincial recommendations also advise that those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated who get sick with COVID-19 should wait eight weeks from the start of symptoms or a positive test to get their vaccine. For those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, the recommended wait time is four to eight weeks. For those who did not have a positive test and who prefer increased immediate protection, it is safe to get your vaccine as soon as you’ve recovered.

The provincial guidance on interval timelines is a recommendation, and with informed consent, you may choose to receive vaccination earlier, provided you are symptom-free and have completed your isolation. 

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?

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.

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 call 911 and seek medical attention right away, or if you develop any of the following adverse reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine:

• 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 are symptomatic 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?

Yes, there is a possibility you can become ill and test positive even when fully vaccinated.

Close contacts must self-isolate for 10 days after exposure to the case.

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

On June 1, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated their recommendations on the interchangeability of authorized COVID-19 vaccines, also referred to as “mixed vaccine schedules”

NACI recommends that, if readily available, the same mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product should be offered for the second dose in a vaccine series started with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. When the same mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product is not readily available, another mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product recommended for use in that age group can be considered interchangeable and should be offered to complete the vaccine series.

This means that individuals who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as their first dose may receive either type of mRNA vaccine for their second dose.

Youth ages 12 to 17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, as this is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada for this age group; therefore the mRNA vaccines are not interchangeable for those under 18 years of age. The Ministry of Health currently recommends Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as the preferred mRNA vaccine for those under the age of 30. 

At this time, you will not be able to choose which mRNA vaccine you receive ahead of your appointment. At the appointment you will be told which vaccine you are receiving.

Do I need another dose?

Protection from previous doses of the COVID-19 vaccine fades over time and additional doses after your initial vaccine series help ‘boost’ our immune system and extend the protection, especially in those who are at most risk for severe outcomes of the virus.

A booster dose dramatically increases protection from severe outcomes like hospitalization or death, with 99% protection against severe outcomes from the Delta variant and 95% protection against severe outcomes from the Omicron variant.

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-ins are also available for first, second and third/booster doses. Fourth doses are 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.