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

On June 30, the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine season ends for eligible people 12 years and older. Wait until fall 2025 for your next dose, unless advised otherwise by your health care provider.

Pharmacies and health care providers

Many pharmacies within Waterloo Region offer COVID-19 vaccines. 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 health care provider contact their office directly, especially if you are in a high-risk population.

Public Health vaccination clinics for children under 5

Public Health will offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children under 5 years old and who do not have an Ontario Health (OHIP) card or do not have a health care provider. 

Appointment booking will be available this fall. Please check back then. 


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:

  • prevent us from getting the disease, and
  • prevent us from getting seriously ill if we do get the disease.
View this resource from the Government of Canada to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
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:

  1. Individuals less than 5 years who have received one or more doses of a non-Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine must have their doses recorded. This ensures they have completed the appropriate number of doses for optimal protection.
  2. Individuals 5 years of age and older who have received one or more doses of a non-Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months must have their doses recorded. This will ensure subsequent doses (if needed) can be given at the appropriate interval.

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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