COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
On this page
- About the COVID-19 vaccines
- How can I get a vaccine?
- Medical exemption information
- Protect yourself and others
- Resources
- Translated resources
About the COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada are safe, reliable, and can help protect you, your family, and our community from COVID-19. All of the COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination:
- works with your immune system to help protect you from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19
- is a safe and effective way to help build protection against the virus
- will help build community protection, stopping the spread of the virus in our community
- is voluntary, but strongly encouraged
There is a chance that you may still get COVID-19 from another person after being vaccinated so it is important that we continue to follow public health measures such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home if you are sick. Health care workers and other staff must still wear personal protective equipment (PPE) even after they have been vaccinated.
Vaccine side effects are being monitored as people receive the vaccine. If you get a reaction to the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to Public Health. Public Health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccines continue to be safe.
COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with, or at any time before or after, non-COVID-19 vaccines (e.g. flu vaccine) with informed consent.
Authorized COVID-19 vaccines in Canada
Health Canada has conducted thorough and independent reviews and authorized the following vaccines for use in Canada:
- On December 9, 2020 the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- On December 23, 2020 the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- On February 26, 2021 the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
- On March 5, 2021 the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine
- On November 19, 2021 the Paediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Find additional information about the authorized COVID-19 vaccines on the Government of Canada website and the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
How does the vaccine work? |
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine uses a method called messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. The mRNA in the vaccine tells the body’s cells to make "spike proteins," similar to what is found on the COVID-19 virus. The immune system responds to the spike proteins by making antibodies, which will protect against COVID-19 infection in the future. These new antibodies will break down the COVID-19 spike proteins and get rid of them. The mRNA is broken down by the body shortly after injection and cannot affect the body’s DNA. mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines and cannot cause infection. |
How is the vaccine administered? |
Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection, given up to 16 weeks apart. The vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the arm. |
What are the potential side effects? |
Some people may experience side effects from the vaccine, but they will likely be moderate and resolve after a few days. Some of the symptoms are part of the body’s response to developing immunity to a virus. Common side effects that have been reported in clinical trials for this vaccine include: Very common ≥10% (more than 1 in 10 doses)
Common 1%-10% (1 in 100 to 1 in 10 doses)
Uncommon 1% (1 in 100 doses)
In rare cases, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. Allergic reactions can be treated and are usually temporary. Vaccine side effects will continue to be monitored as people receive the vaccine. If you get a reaction to the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to Public Health. Public health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccine continues to be safe. If you get a reaction to the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to Public Health. Public health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccine continues to be safe. |
Pericarditis/Myocarditis |
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Who should get this vaccine? |
The vaccine is approved for people who are 12 years of age and older who do not have any contraindications. Do not get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
Visit Health Canada’s vaccine webpage (Pfizer-BioNTech) for a list of vaccine ingredients. Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccines for Children. |
Paediatric Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
The clinical trials of the Paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine showed that the vaccine was 90.7% effective at preventing COVID-19 in children 5 to 11 years of age and no serious side effects were identified. Health Canada has determined that the benefits of this vaccine for children between 5 and 11 years of age outweigh the risks and has authorized a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting this age group from COVID-19 and the Delta variant.
With Health Canada’s approval of the Paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in November, children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible to book their appointment to receive the vaccine. For more information check our COVID-19 Vaccine for Children page.
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
How does the vaccine work? |
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine uses a method called messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. The mRNA in the vaccine tells the body’s cells to make "spike proteins," similar to what is found on the COVID-19 virus. The immune system responds to the spike proteins by making antibodies, which will protect against COVID-19 infection in the future. These new antibodies will break down the COVID-19 spike proteins and get rid of them. The mRNA is broken down by the body shortly after injection and cannot affect the body’s DNA. mRNA vaccines are not live vaccines and cannot cause infection. |
How is the vaccine administered? |
Two doses of the vaccine are required for full protection, given up to 16 weeks apart. The vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the arm. |
What are the potential side effects? |
Health Canada reported that side effects that followed administration of the Moderna vaccine were mild or moderate and are common of many vaccines, including:
If you get a reaction to the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to Public Health. Public health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccine continues to be safe. |
Pericarditis/Myocarditis |
Effective September 29, 2021, Pfizer-BioNTech is recommended for 12-24 year olds due to an observed increase in Ontario of pericarditis/myocarditis following vaccination with Moderna compared to Pfizer in the 18 to 24 year old age group, particularly among males. |
Who should get this vaccine? |
The vaccine is approved by Health Canada for people who are 12 years of age and older who do not have any contraindications. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health recommends Moderna for people who are 25 years of age and older and who do not have any contraindications. Pfizer-BioNTech is recommended for 12-24 year olds. This recommendation is due to an observed increase in Ontario of pericarditis/myocarditis following vaccination with Moderna compared to Pfizer in the 18 to 24 year old age group, particularly among males. Should individuals aged 18 to 24-year old wish to receive Moderna they can continue to do so with informed consent. Do not get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
Visit Health Canada’s vaccine webpage (Moderna) for a list of vaccine ingredients. |
To receive Novavax, Astra Zeneca, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, please speak to your primary health care provider or local pharmacy to explore available options and eligibility criteria. Please note that Public Health vaccine clinics do not administer these products.
Please use the Ontario pharmacy locator tool to find local pharmacies.
Precautions
Before your vaccination appointment, review the following statements and follow the directions.
I am currently pregnant or breast/chestfeeding |
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that if a risk assessment with a health care provider deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine then a complete series of COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals who are pregnant or breast/chestfeeding. |
I am immunocompromised |
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that if a risk assessment with a health care provider deems that the benefits outweigh the potential risks, and if informed consent includes discussion about the absence of evidence on the use of COVID-19 vaccine then a complete series of COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to individuals who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment or suffering from an autoimmune disorder. |
I have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in any of the available COVID-19 vaccines (e.g. polyethylene glycol [PEG]). |
Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction or a suspected allergic reaction within 4 hours of receiving a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine should be referred to an allergist/immunologist for consultation and to discuss options for future vaccinations. If this applies to you, you will not be able to receive COVID-19 vaccination at a mass immunization clinic. Please contact 519-575-4400 to cancel your scheduled appointment. |
I have had an allergic reaction within 4 hours and/or anaphylaxis that occurred with a different vaccine or injectable medication that does not contain a component of COVID-19 vaccine. |
Please contact your treating health care provider to have a discussion about COVID-19 vaccination. Your health care provider may refer you to an allergist/immunologist for consultation. After this consultation you may decide:
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I have had an allergic reaction to a food, drug, venom, latex or other allergen not related to COVID-19 vaccine OR I have allergic rhinitis (e.g. seasonal allergies), asthma or eczema. |
You may receive COVID-19 vaccination but will be asked to wait 30 minutes after vaccination to monitor for adverse effects. No documentation or consultation with your health care provider is required. |
I am receiving anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners) or I have a bleeding disorder. |
You may receive COVID-19 vaccination if your condition/treatment is under control and you are able to receive injections or have blood work. After immunization, you will be asked to apply firm pressure to the injection site for 5-10 minutes. If you are not able to receive injections or have blood work, please contact 519-575-4400 to cancel your scheduled appointment and consult with your health care provider about options for vaccination. |
How can I get a vaccine?
Anyone born in 2016 or earlier is eligible to get a vaccine.
The Province of Ontario is working with the pharmacy sector to offer vaccinations at select pharmacy locations in Waterloo Region. Contact a participating pharmacy near you to book an appointment.
Select primary care providers are offering vaccines to their patients. If your primary care provider is offering vaccines, you will need to book an appointment directly with them.
Medical exemption
The Ontario Ministry of Health requires all Public Health units to upload medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine database, COVAX, for the purposes of obtaining a QR code and receipt.
If you believe you are eligible for a medical exemption, you must get an assessment by an Ontario physician or registered nurse in the extended class.
Your primary care physician, specialist or registered nurse must fax a Medical Exemption Forms or letter that documents the medical exemption on your behalf to 519-883-2248.
The exemption must clearly indicate the reason why the individual cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19 as per the Ministry of Health Exemption Guidance.
Protect yourself and others
Evidence suggests that the vaccines reduce the spread of COVID-19, either by preventing infection or by reducing the number of COVID-19 cases.
The spread of the virus will slow down or stop when a large percentage of the population becomes immune to COVID-19. This is known as herd immunity. Experts do not know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19.
This is why is important that you continue to follow public health measures after you are vaccinated:
- Only have close contact with your household members, or one other household, exclusively, if you live alone
- Avoid indoor gatherings, visit with other households outdoors
- Practice physical distancing
- Wear a face covering
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces and crowded places
If you develop any symptoms stay home, isolate from household members and schedule an appointment for testing.
Resources
Availability and distribution
- Waterloo Region COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Plan - February 12, 2021 (Region of Waterloo)
- Waterloo Region COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Placemat (Region of Waterloo)
- Waterloo Region COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force (Region of Waterloo)
- COVID-19 vaccine ethical framework for distribution (Province of Ontario)
- COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario (Province of Ontario)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletins (Region of Waterloo)
Guidance and safety
- COVID-19 how vaccines are developed (video) (Government of Canada)
- COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for special populations (Ministry of Health)
- COVID-19 vaccine development and approval in Canada (infographic) (Government of Canada)
- COVID-19 vaccine after care sheet (Region of Waterloo)
- COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet (Region of Waterloo Public Health)
- COVID-19 vaccine safety (Province of Ontario)
- Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines (National Advisory Committee on Immunization)
- Resources for Health Professionals (Region of Waterloo Public Health)
Translated resources
- Visit our Community and Cultural Resources page for translated COVID-19 vaccine information.
- The Province of Ontario has COVID-19 communications resources in multiple languages, including resources on vaccine facts and vaccine safety.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed a COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet that is available in several languages.
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