COVID-19 Vaccine

In Ontario, COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to everyone aged six months and older, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. You do not need to have an Ontario health card.

Getting vaccinated and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to remain protected against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection, including hospitalization and death. 

Vaccination may not always prevent symptomatic infection, but it will help reduce severity if a person does contract the virus. It also decreases the risk of developing post COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID.

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine program has transitioned to an annual program in alignment with expert recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

Like Ontario’s influenza (flu shot) program, everyone aged six months and older in Ontario will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination each fall.

Starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary care providers and participating pharmacies. COVID vaccine and flu shots may arrive at different times. If you are high-risk, contact your local pharmacy or primary care provider.

COVID-19 vaccines will be available in Perth and Huron in late October for the general population. Infants and children aged 4 years and under, can receive a COVID-19 vaccination through HPPH. Call the immunization intake line at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3558 to book an appointment. 

For questions about COVID-19 vaccination, please call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays) or speak with your healthcare provider.

For individuals 6 months and older, COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or at any time before or after, non-COVID-19 vaccines.

• Bring a health card or another piece of identification.
• Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt 
• Do not attend if you are feeling unwell or have a fever. 
• Nervous about getting needles? Use the CARD (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) system to have a more positive vaccination experience.
• Think about bringing a favourite stuffy, fidget toy, headphones, etc. to keep your child relaxed or distracted 

For more information about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Ministry of Health's webpage, COVID-19 vaccines.

Some common side effects that may be experienced after vaccination include: 

• pain at the injection site
• redness, swelling
• tiredness
• headache
• enlarged lymph nodes
• muscle or joint pain
• chills
• fever
• upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea

Serious side effects are rare. However, if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms seek medical attention right away or call 9-1-1:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• difficulty breathing
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• high fever (over 40C)
• convulsions or seizures
• other serious symptoms (e.g. prolonged "pins and needles" or numbness) that could be an allergic reaction

Seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath and/or palpitations (pounding or racing heart) after receiving the vaccine. If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider. 

COVID-19 vaccination (including additional doses) is strongly recommended before becoming pregnant or in any trimester of pregnancy. Getting vaccinated is the safest choice to protect yourself and your baby from the known risks of COVID-19 infection. 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommend individuals who are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding should receive all COVID-19 vaccination doses when eligible. Pregnant individuals who are unvaccinated are at risk for severe COVID-19 complications. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and complications from COVID-19 infection.

If you get vaccinated while breastfeeding, the vaccine itself will not transfer into breastmilk, but studies suggest that the antibodies you produce following vaccination will, which may protect your baby from COVID-19.

For more information to help you make an informed choice about whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, see: 

• COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy | Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy | Ministry of Health

Make sure you understand as much as you can about COVID-19 and vaccines. Speak with a trusted source, such as your obstetrician, midwife, family doctor or nurse practitioner, or book an appointment with VaxFacts+ for a phone consult with a doctor about any questions that you might have. 

Not all children have only mild symptoms when they contract COVID-19. Being vaccinated can help improve the immune response to COVID-19 infection and lower the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and post COVID-19 symptoms. 

Vaccination is the best and safest way to give an extra layer of protection for all children aged six months and older.

For more information, please speak with your healthcare provider or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

Additional resources:

• COVID-19 learning hub | SickKids About Kids Health
• Max the Vax | Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
• Vaccines for children and youth | Ministry of Health 

Anyone getting the COVID-19 vaccine, including youth ages 12 to 17, must provide informed consent. Informed consent means that you understand: 

• what the vaccine involves (for example, how it is given and what possible side effects there may be)
• why it is recommended
• the risks and benefits of getting or not getting it

If someone is unable to provide informed consent to receive the vaccine (for example, for medical reasons), they will need consent from someone who can make a decision on their behalf, such as a parent or legal guardian. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss vaccination with their children prior to attending a clinic. 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Program | Ontario Ministry of Health
• Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: 2025/2026 COVID-19 Vaccine Program | Ontario Ministry of Health
• COVID-19: Vaccine Storage and Handling Guidance | Ontario Ministry of Health
• COVID-19 Clinical Guidelines and Resources | Ontario Health
• COVID-19 Vaccines and Treatments Portal | Government of Canada
• COVID-19 Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide | Public Health Agency of Canada
• COVID-19 for health professionals: Vaccines | Public Health Agency of Canada 

FACTSHEETS FOR PATIENTS

The facts about COVID-19 vaccines | Public Health Agency of Canada

• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding fact sheet | HPPH
• COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy FAQ for Health Care Providers | SOGC
• SOGC Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination and Fertility |SOGC

• Building confidence in vaccines | Public Health Ontario
• Vaccine Hesitancy Guide | University of Calgary School of Public Policy