COVID-19 Vaccine
Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available in October for high-risk individuals, with availability for the general public following soon after. For more details read our September 13, 2024 update.
COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada are safe, reliable, and can help protect you, your family, and our community from COVID-19. 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 to have the most protection against COVID-19.
To find out more information about vaccine eligibility and booster doses, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Before visiting a clinic, please do a self-assessment with this COVID-19 symptom screening tool.
Book an appointment
Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal
Pharmacies and primary care providers
There are many pharmacies within Waterloo Region that offer COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccine type offered may vary by pharmacy and change without notice. For more information or to find a participating pharmacy near you, please visit COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations.
Please note: Pharmacy vaccine administration for ages 6 months to under 5 years old may vary. Contact the pharmacy before booking an appointment.
For information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider/specialist please contact their office directly.
Regional vaccination clinics
150 Main Street, Cambridge - Accessibility and translation services available |
Hours of operation (by appointment only)
Book an appointment Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal Please note: If all appointment slots are filled, the clinic date will not appear on the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. Walk-ins will be accommodated as capacity allows. Location details:
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99 Regina Street South, Waterloo - Accessibility and translation services available |
Hours of operation (by appointment only)
Book an appointment Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal Please note: If all appointment slots are filled, the clinic date will not appear on the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. Walk-ins will be accommodated 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. |
Additional options
Homebound COVID-19 vaccine request |
Please contact your primary care provider or local pharmacy for supports that are available to receive a COVID-19 booster dose. Individuals requesting a homebound COVID-19 vaccine:
If you have any barriers preventing you from accessing a COVID-19 vaccine from your primary care provider, local pharmacy or regional vaccination clinic, you may complete the Homebound Vaccination Request Form. Please note: The turnaround time for homebound COVID-19 vaccines through our homebound vaccine request process is very slow due to limited staff capacity. |
Post secondary school clinics |
Frequently asked questions
How do vaccines protect against COVID-19? |
Vaccination works by exposing our bodies to key parts of bacteria or viruses (called antigens) in a safe way so our immune system can develop an immune response. Later, if we are exposed to that same bacterium or virus, our immune system will be able to respond more quickly to:
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Can I get the vaccine with my health condition? |
Individuals are advised to discuss any concerns with their health care provider prior to their COVID-19 vaccination. Doctors, nurses, and vaccinators will know about the vaccine characteristics, effectiveness, and risks. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, please refer to the Government of Canada and Ministry of Health. |
Does my child require 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 under 12 years of age, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. |
Where can I learn more about COVID-19 vaccination for children? |
Visit the Health Canada – Vaccines for Children and Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Vaccines webpages to learn more. |
COVID-19 vaccine after-care |
To learn about COVID-19 vaccine after-care, download our after-care information sheet. |
Where can I report a vaccine received outside of Ontario? |
Waterloo Residents who need to have the COVID-19 immunizations they received outside of Ontario documented in COVaxON should complete the Out of Province COVID-19 Immunization Form. COVaxON is the provincial system used to record COVID-19 vaccinations. There are two instances in which doses must be recorded in a patient’s record:
Please note: we will be prioritizing requests that meet the criteria outlined above. If you require your doses recorded in COVaxON for another reason (e.g. professional, educational or medical purposes) you can complete the Out of Province COVID-19 Immunization Form and we will action your request based on capacity. COVID-19 immunizations received in Ontario do not need to be reported. When you receive a COVID-19 immunization in Ontario it is documented in COVaxON. |
Where can I learn more about medical exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine? |
Please refer to the Ministry of Health – Proof of COVID-19 vaccination webpage. |
Accessing translated vaccine resources |
You can access translated COVID-19 vaccine resources through the Province of Ontario COVID-19 communications resources webpage. |
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