Preparing for your appointment

Important information for HPPH COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Huron Perth Public Health now uses the Ontario Provincial Vaccine Appointment Booking system. Appointments can be booked:

  • Online
  • By calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (open 7 days a week, 8AM to 8PM), or
  • By calling the HPPH booking line at 1-833-753-2098 (Monday-Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM)

Cancellation and rescheduling can be done on the provincial website or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

What you need to know before getting vaccinated

Consult with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated if you:

  • Are on medications that weaken your immune system or have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition
  • Have had an allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, any ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines, or any other vaccine

Your healthcare provider will review the benefits and risks of your unique situation.

For individuals 6 months of age and over, COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time or any time before or after another non-COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. the influenza vaccine).

 Getting a vaccine after having COVID-19
  • If you’ve already had COVID-19, you should still be vaccinated for protection from reinfection or severe outcomes. Vaccination also helps protect those around you from serious illness, hospitalization and death. 
  • Individuals who have had COVID-19 should wait four to eight weeks after infection to get the next dose in their primary series. People who get COVID-19 after a complete primary series should wait three months after having COVID-19 to get their booster dose. Optimal timing can be discussed with a health care provider and depends on age, number of doses received and health status.
  • You may also receive a COVID-19 vaccine once you no longer have symptoms. However, longer intervals between infection and vaccination may result in a better immune response.

Preparing for your appointment

To avoid delays, please complete your COVID-19 Client Information Sheet [PDF] (consent form) in advance and bring it with you to your appointment. There will also be copies available for you to fill out at the clinic.

  • Please arrive at your scheduled appointment time, not earlier. 
  • Bring your health card with you, if you have one, or another piece of identification.
  • Please bring a mask. Mask use will continue at HPPH community vaccination clinics. Our clinic staff will be masked, and we ask everyone over age two who attends to also be masked. If you do not have a mask, one will be available at the clinic.
  • Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt.
  • Do not attend the clinic if you are feeling unwell, have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have been advised to self-isolate. Please reschedule your appointment for a later date.
  • For more information about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Ministry of Health's web page on COVID-19 vaccines. 

Arriving at the clinic

Please note the following for when you arrive at the clinic:

  • Have you/your child's health card or another piece of identification ready
  • Mask use will continue at HPPH site and community vaccination clinics. Our clinic staff will be masked, and we ask everyone over age two who attends to also be masked. If you do not have a mask, one will be available at the clinic.
  • You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and will not be allowed to attend if you are symptomatic
  • You will be asked to wait (5-15 minutes) after your vaccination
  • Please limit the amount of personal items you bring into the clinic
  • Physical distancing is required at the clinic
  • For children ages six months to 11 years:
    • Make sure that consent forms are signed by a parent/legal guardian
    • The person accompanying the child to their appointment must also be able to answer the pre-screening questions on the last page of the COVID-19 Client Information Sheet [PDF] (consent form)
    • Think about bringing a favourite stuffie, fidget toy, headphones, etc. to keep your child relaxed at the clinic or distracted during the waiting time
    • Clinics offer a family-friendly environment, including distraction tools at each vaccinator station and options to be vaccinated in a semi-private area
    • See our Children ages 6 months to 11 years webpage or the provincial fact sheet COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Youth for more information on COVID-19 vaccinations for this age group, including tips to help your child have a positive experience while getting their vaccine and what to expect after vaccination.  

After receiving your vaccine

Some common side effects that you may experience after your 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 40°C),
  • convulsions or seizures,
  • or 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.

It is still possible to come in contact with the COVID-19 virus and develop symptoms if you are fully vaccinated. 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.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect others who may not be vaccinated or who are unable to be vaccinated, it is important to continue to follow infection prevention measures. This includes washing your hands regularly, maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask where required or when physical distancing may be difficult and staying home when sick. 

What to expect at a community vaccination clinic

Wondering what it's like to get your COVID-19 vaccination at one of our community clinics? This video shows you what to expect.

Vaccine clinic tour for children ages 5-11

Preparing your child for their vaccination appointment can help result in a more positive vaccination experience for both you and your child. If you/your child is wondering what to expect at their upcoming appointment, follow along on this tour of a typical vaccination clinic in Huron Perth:

Inclement weather

In the event of inclement weather, clinics may be cancelled. We will announce a clinic cancellation publicly. Please check local media, the HPPH website, HPPH Facebook or Twitter for news of clinic cancellation.