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Anyone who is six months and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

The Ministry of Health is recommending an interval of eight weeks between first and second doses. There is emerging evidence that longer intervals between the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines result in more robust and durable immune response and higher vaccine effectiveness.

If you received Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca , or Novavax as your first dose, you may receive a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna eight weeks (56 days) after your first dose to complete the primary series, or as directed by your health-care provider.

Please note, in Ontario, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not available for first or second doses.

Those who 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 adults 18 years of age and older. 

For some persons who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, the primary series is three doses to complete. See the below Immunocompromised specific drop-down menu for more information. 

Mixing vaccine types for the second dose

If you received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your first dose, you can safely take either Moderna or Pfizer for your second dose for strong protection. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in Canada and use a similar mRNA technology, so the vaccines are safe to mix. This is consistent with recommendations provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and with practices within several provinces.

Who is eligible for a first booster dose (third dose)

Ages 5 – 11

• May schedule a first booster (third dose) at a recommended interval of at least six months following their most recent dose 

For children ages 5-11 who are moderate to severely immunocompromised, please see our immunocompromised specific drop-down menu for more information.

Ages 12 – 17

• May schedule a first booster (third dose) (Pfizer recommended) at a recommended interval of six months (168 days), or a minimum of three months (84 days), after a second dose
• For immunocompromised youth please see our Immunocompromised specific drop-down menu

Ages 18+

• May schedule their first booster appointment at a recommended interval of five months (140 days), or a minimum interval of three months (84 days) after their second dose

First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, and Health care workers 16+ 

• May receive a first booster dose (third dose) three months (84 days) after completion of their primary series 
• May schedule a booster (third dose) appointment at a recommended interval of five months (140 days), or a minimum interval of three months (84 days) after a second dose

Mixing vaccine types for the third or booster dose

If you received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for your second dose, you can safely take either Moderna or Pfizer for your third dose for strong protection. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in Canada and use a similar mRNA technology, so the vaccines are safe to mix. This is consistent with recommendations provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and with practices within several provinces.

If you received AstraZeneca for your second dose, a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is recommended.

Who is eligible for a second booster dose (fourth dose)

Ages 5 – 17

• Not currently eligible to receive a second booster dose (fourth dose)

Ages 18+ 

• May schedule a second booster (fourth dose) appointment at a recommended interval of five months (140 days), or a minimum interval of three months (84 days) after a first booster (third dose)

For those who are moderate to severely immunocompromised, please see our immunocompromised specific drop-down menu below for more information.

Who is eligible for a bivalent booster dose

As of October 17, 2022, any individual aged 12 years and older may receive a bivalent booster at a recommended interval of six months, or a minimum interval of three months (with informed consent), after their last dose.

Individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to get a bivalent booster dose after the minimum three-month interval, to ensure the best possible protection ahead of the respiratory season. This includes the following groups:

• Age 65 years and older
• First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, and non-indigenous members of their household who are 18 years and older
• Residents of a long-term care home, retirement home or Elder Care Lodge
• Individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted living and health services
• Individuals 12 years of age or older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19
• Individuals who are pregnant and are 18 years and older
• Health care workers who provide direct care, including first responders 18 years and older

Please call 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) to book an appointment if you are experiencing difficulties when booking it online or wish to receive the bivalent booster at the three month interval.

More information on COVID-19 vaccines, eligibilities, and how to schedule an appointment can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health website.

Immunocompromised three dose primary series

A third dose may be administered as part of the primary series at a minimum of eight weeks (56 days) after the second dose for individuals six months of age or older with the following qualifying medical conditions:

• Individuals receiving active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for a solid tumour or hematologic malignancies
• Recipients of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• Receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)
• Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Individuals with stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Individuals receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.

Eligible immunocompromised individuals aged:

• 18 years and over should get a second booster (fifth dose) five months (140 days) after their first booster (or a minimum of three months or 84 days)
• 12 to 17 years old should get a second booster (fifth dose) six months (168 days) after their first booster (or a minimum of three months or 84 days)

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 Government of Ontario website.

Pharmacies offering vaccines for children 2 - 5 years

30 Christopher Drive, Cambridge  - Accessibility and translation services available

Hours of operation (walk-ins, no appointments required)

• Tuesday, December 6 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Monday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 13 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 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)

• Wednesday, December 7 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Friday, December 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 14 from 1:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Thursday, December 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday, December 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, December 17 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, December 9 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Friday, December 16 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Address: 236 Woodhaven Road Kitchener, ON N2C 1V5

Wilmot Recreation Centre

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

Hours of operation:

• Tuesday, December 6 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• Monday, December 12 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Address: 1291 Nafziger Road, Baden, ON N3A 0C4

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, December 10 from 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Saturday, January 21 from 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Saturday, February 4 from 9:15 a.m. – 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.

Accessible Transportation

Non-accessible and Volunteer Transportation