About the vaccine
Residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can book an appointment or walk-in at an HPPH community clinic, or through select pharmacies in Huron Perth. Vaccinations may also be available through your healthcare provider.
For a list of local vaccination opportunities and upcoming clinic dates/locations, visit our Get a Vaccination page.
All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their vaccine at the recommended intervals, to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine
Everyone aged 5 and older is eligible to receive a first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario (children must be at least 5 years old at the time of vaccination). Anyone 18 years of age or older whose second dose was at least 84 days (three months) ago is eligible for a booster vaccine.
For a complete list of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, see our Get a Vaccination page.
Approved vaccines
Learn about the approved COVID-19 vaccines from Health Canada, including how they work, how they are administered, ingredients, allergies, possible side effects and more:
- Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine*
- Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine*
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine
- On May 11, 2021, the Ontario Government paused administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Learn more.
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine
- Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine
- Medicago Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine
*Only Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are available at HPPH COVID-19 vaccine clinics at this time. Please call HPPH at 1-888-221-2133 for more information, or visit our Get a Vaccination page.
See the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet for more information about the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada.
Preparing for your appointment
For information on HPPH COVID-19 vaccine clinics, how to prepare, and what to expect when you arrive at a clinic and after you receive your vaccine, see our Preparing for your appointment page.
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine? |
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of infectious diseases, whether it is the seasonal flu (influenza) or childhood infections such as chickenpox (varicella). Safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 are now available to protect us against COVID-19. While many people infected with COVID-19 experience only mild illness, others may get a severe illness or even die. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you are not at increased risk of severe complications. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to:
The more people who are vaccinated in the community, the less the risk of the virus replicating, mutating, and possibly becoming more resistant to vaccines. |
What is the difference between a “three-dose primary series” and a “booster dose”? |
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Why should I get vaccinated/get a third (booster) dose if I already had COVID-19 recently and have some natural immunity? |
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Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? |
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I am concerned about reports of myocarditis or pericarditis following the COVID-19 vaccine. What information is there? |
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining around the heart. Symptoms can include:
Although very rare, there have been reports of myocarditis and/or pericarditis after immunization with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Canada and internationally for ages 12 and older. For most people, the heart inflammation is mild and goes away within days. So far, available information indicates that:
Out of an abundance of caution and following a comprehensive review, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated and approved its recommendations on the use of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use among individuals aged 12 years and older in the context of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination. For individuals aged 12 to 29, the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to start or continue the mRNA primary vaccine series to minimize myocarditis/pericarditis risk. Should individuals aged 18 to 29 wish to receive the Moderna vaccine, they can continue to do so with informed consent. If you develop any symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, or the feeling of a fast-beating, pounding or fluttering heart, get medical attention immediately. Report any adverse events after immunization to your healthcare provider. It is also important to remember that the COVID-19 virus itself can cause inflammation, which can include myocarditis or pericarditis. The benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks. Video: Dr. Hayward | Myocarditis/Pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccine |
How do I get a copy of my proof of vaccination/vaccine receipt after vaccination? |
For information on vaccine certificates and proof of vaccination, including how to get your vaccine certificate with QR code, visit our Vaccination Proof and Certificates page. |
Can I travel after being vaccinated with a full series of a COVID-19 vaccine? What if I have a mixed dose schedule? |
Many people are beginning to travel once again. It is important to assess your own personal risk. It is also important to be aware of the COVID-19 situation at your travel destination. Please check with the country you are travelling to for vaccine, testing, isolation and other requirements. If you have a mixed dose series, please know that you are well protected from a COVID-19 infection. Mixed dose schedules continue to be safe and effective. When travelling to other countries, it is important to check with the country you are travelling to for their requirements. If you do travel outside of Canada, you should plan how you will meet Canada’s travel requirements when you return. Work your way through the COVID-19: Entering Canada requirements checklist to understand what you will need to do. For more information on Canada’s travel measures, see: |
Do I still need to stay home if I'm ill, even after I received my vaccination? |
It is still possible to come in contact with the COVID-19 virus and develop symptoms if you are fully vaccinated. To help stop the spread and protect others who may not be vaccinated or who are unable to be vaccinated, it is important that people who develop symptoms (even if fully vaccinated) continue to take precautions like staying home when sick. If you become ill with any symptoms of COVID-19, even after receiving the vaccine, complete the Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 self-assessment for recommendations on what to do next. You may be required to self-isolate and seek testing if eligible. For more information, visit Ontario.ca/exposed. For questions related to COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines, you can also call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730. Huron Perth Public Health continues to recommend that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 consult with a health care provider if they have questions or concerns. |
More information
- COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario | Ministry of Health
- COVID-19 vaccine safety | Ministry of Health
- Vaccines for COVID-19 | Government of Canada
For information about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth, visit our Youth 12-17 and Children ages 5-11 webpages.