COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads through droplets when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.

Protect yourself and others from the effects of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 by following public health measures and advice and staying up to date on vaccinations.

Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool for advice on what to do if you’ve been exposed, have respiratory symptoms or for screening purposes.

On this page:

Information for Health Care Providers

Symptoms and complications

COVID-19 symptoms typically appear between 3 and 7 days after exposure. Symptoms vary from person to person. Visit the Government of Canada’s list of COVID-19 symptoms for more information.

Most people with mild COVID-19 symptoms will recover on their own at home. If you develop severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Testing and treatment

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you should seek health care. Testing options can be discussed with your health care provider.

Antiviral treatments are available through consultation with a health care provider or participating pharmacies for people with symptoms who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Treatments must be taken within the first 5 to 7 days of your symptoms starting.

For more information about the different types of COVID-19 tests and treatments available and how to access them, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 testing and treatment webpage.

COVID-19 vaccine availability 2025/2026

Free COVID-19 vaccines will be available for all individuals 6 months of age and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario starting on October 27, 2025. 

Starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary health care providers and participating pharmacies.

Availability may vary. Call ahead to ensure your health care provider has supply before going.

Talk to your health care provider about getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. If you are eligible, you may also be able to get the RSV vaccine during the same visit.

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine

Pharmacies and health care providers

Many pharmacies in Waterloo Region offer COVID-19 vaccines. Visit COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations to find a participating pharmacy near you.

Please note: Some pharmacies may not give COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 6 months to under 5 years old. Contact the pharmacy before booking an appointment.

To receive a COVID-19 vaccine from your health care provider, contact their office directly, especially if you are in a high-risk population.

Public Health vaccination clinics

Children under 5 years old who do not have a health care provider can get a COVID-19 vaccine through Public Health. COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at Public Health Clinics by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Select a location below for appointment booking and more details.

Book a vaccine appointment - CambridgeBook a vaccine appointment - Kitchener

Homebound options

If you are in need of a homebound vaccination for COVID-19 or other publicly funded immunizations, please contact Ontario Health at Home, your local pharmacy or primary care provider for available options.

Where can I report a vaccine received outside of Ontario?

Waterloo region residents who need to have the COVID-19 vaccines they received outside of Ontario documented should complete the Out of Province COVID-19 Immunization Form. 

Two reasons out-of-province doses must be recorded in a patient’s record are when:

  • Children less than 5 years old received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not approved by Health Canada. This ensures they have completed the appropriate number of doses for optimal protection.
  • People 5 years old or older who received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not approved by Health Canada within the last 6 months. This will ensure that any subsequent doses that are needed are given at the appropriate interval.

If you require your doses recorded for another reason (e.g. professional, educational or medical purposes), complete the Out of Province COVID-19 Immunization Form and we will action your request based on capacity.

COVID-19 vaccines received in Ontario do not need to be reported. When you receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario, it is documented for you.

For more information visit Ontario's COVID-19 page.

Information for schools, child care centres and workplaces

Public Health Ontario’s COVID-19: Schools and Related Settings page contains resources on COVID-19 prevention. Questions about how provincial guidelines are implemented should be directed to your school administrator or child care operator.

Tools and guidance for Ontario workplaces are available on the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 and workplace health and safety webpage. Outbreak prevention information and reporting for employers of international agricultural workers can be found on our Infection Prevention for Workplaces page.

Additional resources

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