COVID-19 Vaccine

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.

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. 

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.

Visit the Health Canada – Vaccines for Children and Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Vaccines webpages to learn more.

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. 

Please refer to the Ministry of Health – Proof of COVID-19 vaccination webpage.

You can access translated COVID-19 vaccine resources through the Province of Ontario COVID-19 communications resources webpage.