Get a Vaccine
Anyone six months and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Anyone five years of age or older that has completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations, can receive a booster dose at an interval of six months after their last dose.
Individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness can receive a booster dose after an interval of three months. Please contact your health care provider to discuss optimal timing for your next COVID-19 vaccination dose.
You can walk-in at select clinics or book an appointment through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007).
Updated: January 19, 2022
Book a COVID-19 vaccine
on the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario. All residents are encouraged to get the number of doses they are recommended to receive as soon as they can to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine eligibility
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine first and second dose (primary series)? |
Anyone who is six months and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine A primary series is the initial number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that a person needs to develop a strong initial immune response. Most people need two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or Novavax (for those over 12 years of age) to complete their primary series. Children under the age of 5 and individuals who are immunocompromised may need a three to four dose primary series. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) for both primary series and booster dose(s), with the preference of Pfizer for individuals aged 5 to 29. It is recommended that infants and children under 5 years of age receive the same vaccine product for all primary series doses, using the vaccine that is correct for their age at the time of administration. Individuals over the age of 5 may receive any combination of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to complete their primary series. Most individuals are recommended to receive a second dose at an interval of eight weeks (56 days) after their first dose to complete the primary series, or as directed by their health care provider. This recommendation is based on evidence that suggests longer intervals between first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines result in a more robust and durable immune response and higher vaccine effectiveness. Those who are not able to or do not wish to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series or booster can receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine via their primary care provider or local pharmacy. The Novavax vaccine is a two-dose recombinant protein subunit vaccine authorized for individuals 12 years of age and older. Please note that Public Health vaccine clinics do not administer this product. Contact Public Health via email at PHECOVIDIMMS@regionofwaterloo.ca to receive information on how to request the Novavax vaccine. Please note: the AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), and Medicago Covifenz vaccines are not available for administration in Ontario. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine primary series, please refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance and COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. |
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose? |
Booster doses are doses of a COVID-19 vaccine received after the primary series. Protection after a primary series may decrease over time, especially against new variants. Booster doses help keep you protected from severe outcomes from the virus. Individuals aged five years and older can receive a booster dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) for booster dose(s), with the preference of bivalent vaccines for booster doses due to their improved protection against emerging variants. Eligibility for booster doses is based on the interval since your last dose, or following symptom onset or a positive test for a COVID-19 infection. Most individuals are recommended to receive a booster dose at an interval of six months following their last dose or COVID-19 infection. Find out when you should get your next dose by completing the booster dose eligibility checker. Individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness can receive a booster dose after the minimum three-month interval, with informed consent. Please contact your health care provider to discuss optimal timing for your next COVID-19 vaccination dose. Individuals aged 18 years and older who are not able to or do not wish to receive a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can receive the Novavax vaccine as a booster dose via their primary care provider or local pharmacy. Please note that Public Health vaccine clinics do not administer this product. Contact Public Health via email at PHECOVIDIMMS@regionofwaterloo.ca to receive information on how to request the Novavax vaccine. Mixing vaccine types for the booster doses If you received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your primary series, you can safely take either Moderna or Pfizer for your booster dose for strong protection. This is consistent with recommendations provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and with practices within several provinces. If you received AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), or Medicago Covifenz for your primary series, a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is recommended. For more information about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, please refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance and COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. |
Can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine after recently testing positive? |
If you’ve already had COVID 19, you should still be vaccinated for protection from reinfection or severe outcomes. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination combined with infection helps further improve the immune response. Even if you’ve recovered from COVID 19, you are not immune and can still get the virus, be contagious while not showing any symptoms, and spread it to others in your community.
Discuss the best timing for you with your primary care provider. It can depend on whether your next dose is part of your primary series or a booster dose and on your health status. More information may be found on the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccines website. |
What if I received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario? |
Please visit Report a Vaccine Received Outside of Ontario to learn more about how to report vaccine doses. |
Does my child require my consent before receiving the vaccine? |
There is no minimum age for giving consent under the Health Care Consent Act, 1996 of Ontario. If the individual is capable to provide informed consent, parental consent is not needed. Informed consent means that you understand what the vaccine involves, why it is recommended, and the risks and benefits of getting or not getting it. If an individual 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. If an individual is under 12 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information about consent and children's vaccines, check our COVID-19 Vaccines for Children page. |
Pharmacies
There are many pharmacies within Waterloo Region that offer COVID-19 primary vaccine series and/or booster doses. The vaccine types offered by specific pharmacies may vary or change without notice.
Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time, however some allow walk-ins. It is recommended to check with the pharmacy before you go. For more information or to find a participating pharmacy near you, please visit COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations.
Primary care providers and specialists
For information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider/specialist please contact their office directly.
Regional vaccination clinics
Please note: Individuals aged six months and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as, or at any time before or after any other vaccines with informed consent. For more details, check When to Get the Flu Shot on the Ministry of Health website.
If an individual is unable to provide informed consent to receive their vaccination, they will need consent from someone who can make a decision on their behalf, such as a parent or legal guardian. Individuals under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of their vaccination.
30 Christopher Drive, Cambridge - Accessibility and translation services available |
Hours of operation (by appointment and accepting walk-ins as capacity allows)
Location details:
|
99 Regina Street South, Waterloo - Accessibility and translation services available |
Hours of operation (by appointment and accepting walk-ins as capacity allows)
Location details:
Address: 99 Regina Street South, Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3 Parking: Free parking is available at The Shops at Waterloo Town North or Station lots (2-hour limit). Limited street parking is also available outside of the building (30-minute limit). For parking information, please review the Uptown Waterloo Parking Map. |
Anishnabeg Outreach |
Walk-in clinics for those who self-identify as First Nations, Métis and Inuit and their immediate household. Willing to have non-indigenous community members. Hours of operation:
|
Kitchener Public Library |
Kitchener Public Library - Main Library / Meeting Room C Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required. Hours of operation:
Address: 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON |
Waterloo Public Libraries |
Waterloo Public Library - Main Library
Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required. Hours of operation:
Address: 35 Albert Street, Waterloo, ON N2L 5E2
Waterloo Public Library - Eastside Branch Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required. Hours of operation:
|
Ayr Curling Club |
Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required. Hours of operation:
|
Idea Exchange - Hespeler |
Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required. Hours of operation:
Address: 5 Tannery St E, Cambridge, ON N3C 2C1” |
More options for getting a vaccine
Home-based COVID-19 vaccination program |
Region of Waterloo Public Health has expanded criteria for home-based vaccination to include anyone having difficulty accessing the COVID-19 vaccine at a regional vaccination clinic, doctor’s office or pharmacy. The expanded criteria includes situations like the following:
These individuals can be referred to Public Health for the home-based vaccination program. Complete the Retirement Home and Homebound Vaccination Request form. |
Post secondary school clinics |
GO VAXX bus |
Learn at this link where and when GO-VAXX buses and mobile indoor vaccine clinics will be providing COVID-19 vaccines, how to book an appointment, and what to bring with you. |
Report vaccine received outside of Ontario
If you are planning to receive a COVID-19 booster dose in Waterloo Region, please upload your Out of Province doses to the form linked below. Please bring proof of your Out of Province doses to any clinic you are planning to attend.
Report vaccine received outside of Ontario form
Once you have submitted the form, Public Health will contact you to inform you that your health record has been updated.
Individuals with a green photo health card can log into Ontario’s portal to download or print their receipt.
If you have received all of your COVID-19 vaccines outside of Ontario, and you do not have a green photo health card, please see How to get your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.
What to expect when you get a vaccine
- If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 do not attend the vaccination clinic. Take the Self-Assessment Screening Tool for further guidance.
- Take your regular medication and eat your meals as usual (we recommend eating something before you come).
- Wear a loose-fitting top or a t-shirt so the immunizer can easily access your arm.
- Wear your mask or face covering. If you do not have one, one will be provided to you at the door.
- Dress for the weather. You may have to wait in line.
- Please plan for a timeframe of 30 to 60 minutes for your vaccination.
- Bring your Ontario health card (or any government issued ID) to confirm your identity.
- For information on what to expect after your vaccination, please review our vaccine after care information sheet.
Contact Us