COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada are safe, reliable, and can help protect you, your family and the community from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario.
To find out more information about COVID-19 vaccines visit the Government of Canada website.
Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Before visiting a clinic, please do a self-assessment with the COVID-19 symptom screening tool.
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.
Public Health Neighbourhood Bus
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available on the Public Health Neighbourhood Bus. View the bus schedule.
Public Health vaccination clinics
You can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a Public Health Clinic if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- No OHIP card
- No Health Care Provider
- Children under 5 and their family members
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.
150 Main Street, Cambridge - Accessibility and translation services available |
COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments are available by appointment on Mondays from October 28 to December 16, 2024. Walk-ins are not available. Location details:
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20 Weber Street East, Kitchener - Accessibility and translation services available |
COVID-19 and flu vaccine appointments are available by appointment on Fridays from November 1 to December 20, 2024. Walk-ins are not available. Book a vaccine appointmentLocation details:
Address: 20 Weber Street East, Kitchener, ON N2J 1C3 The building entrance is on Weber Street East, between Queen and Frederick Streets. The clinic is on the second floor, accessible from the main lobby by stairs or elevator. Parking is available for on nearby streets or in paid public parking lots within walking distance. 20 Weber Street is also easily accessible using Grand River Transit using the LRT and or bus. Plan your trip. |
Additional options
Homebound COVID-19 vaccine request |
The Homebound Request Form for Fall 2024 COVID-19 vaccinations is now closed. Check back in February 2025 for updates on spring availability. If you are in need of a COVID-19 vaccination at this time, contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to inquire about supports available. |
Post secondary school clinics |
Students attending local post secondary schools should check in with their school's student health care centre for information on accessing the COVID-19 vaccine on campus. |
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. |
Are non-mRNA (Novavax) COVID-19 vaccines available in Ontario? |
Ontario does not have non-mRNA vaccines currently. COVID-19 vaccines are purchased for all provinces by the federal government, and although Novavax is now approved for use within Canada, no supply of this vaccine was purchased for the 2024 fall respiratory virus season. For more information visit the Government of Canada's Approved COVID-19 vaccines webpage. |
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 vaccines 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 vaccines received in Ontario do not need to be reported. When you receive a COVID-19 immunization in Ontario it is documented in COVaxON. For more information visit Ontario's COVID-19 page. |
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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