Get a Vaccine

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 who are 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.

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.
If you have had COVID-19, you should wait the following intervals after symptom onset or a positive test before receiving your next dose:

• If completing your primary series:
  • Two months (56 days) if you are not immunocompromised and have no history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
  • One to two months (28 – 56 days) if you are immunocompromised but have no history of MIS-C
  • If you have a history of MIS-C, until clinical recovery has been achieved or up to 90 days since the onset, whichever is longer, regardless of immunocompromised status
• If getting a booster dose:
  • At least three months (84 days); however, six months (168 days) may provide better immune response

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.

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 offering vaccines for children 2 - 5 years

30 Christopher Drive, Cambridge  - Accessibility and translation services available

Hours of operation (by appointment and accepting walk-ins as capacity allows)

• Monday, February 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Please note: clinic will be closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)

• Tuesday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Monday, February 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Please note: clinic will be closed from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)

• Wednesday, February 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, February 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Location details:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchairs are offered by the site
• Interpretation services offered – via telephone
• Service dog friendly
• Able to accommodate a separate room for a client

Address: 30 Christopher Drive, Cambridge, ON N1R 4R4 

Hours of operation (by appointment and accepting walk-ins as capacity allows)

• Friday, February 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

• Saturday, February 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Friday, February 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, February 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Saturday, February 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

• Friday, February 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location details:

• Wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchairs are offered by the site
• Interpretation services offered – via telephone and sometimes via video calling
• Service dog friendly
• Sensory safe rooms

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:

• Friday, February 3 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  

• Friday, February 17 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Address: 236 Woodhaven Road Kitchener, ON N2C 1V5

Hespeler Memorial Arena - Optimist Room

Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required.

Hours of operation:

• Thursday, January 26 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Address: 640 Ellis Road, Cambridge, ON N3C 4N1

Preston Auditorium - Boardroom

Anyone six months and older is welcome to attend this clinic. Walk-in, no appointments required.

Hours of operation:

• Friday, January 27 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Address: 1458 Hamilton Street, Cambridge, ON N3H 3G5

KidsAbility Waterloo

If your child 6 months to 17 years of age has severe needle anxiety, sensory needs, general anxiety, behavioural and/or other special needs, Region of Waterloo Public Health has partnered with KidsAbility to deliver a vaccination clinic that can provide your child with additional supports and special accommodations with a location in Waterloo.

This includes providing larger private immunization spaces in a sensory-friendly clinic with reduced noise, and reduced bright lights, as well as, longer appointment times.

Please use our KidsAbility Request Form to request an appointment at our Special Accommodation and Sensory-Safe Clinic.

Clinic dates (by appointment only):

• Saturday, February 4 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Address: 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo, ON N2K 3P5

Please note: Those who complete the KidsAbility Request Form after available clinic dates have been fully booked, will be placed on a waiting list and contacted by Public Health when availability has opened.

If you need additional support scheduling an appointment you can contact Public health via email at PHECOVIDIMMS@regionofwaterloo.ca.

Wellesley Community Centre

Walk-in, no appointments required.

Hours of operation:

• Thursday, February 9 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Address: 1000 Maple Leaf St, Wellesley, ON, N0B 2T0

Accessible Transportation

Non-accessible and Volunteer Transportation