Covid-19 vaccinations: To book a COVID-19 immunization appointment or to find out about walk-in opportunities, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments page.
Dose Information: For information on all doses, including eligibility and dose intervals, see the COVID-19 Vaccine Doses page.
On this Page:
- Ask Your Vaccine Questions
- Approved Vaccines
- Vaccine Safety
- Getting Vaccinated
- Vaccine Information for Certain Groups, including:
- individuals aged 5 to 29
- those who received the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine
- those who received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario
- International students
The Ministry of Health's What to expect when you get a COVID-19 vaccine website also has a lot of helpful information, including what you need to know before, during and after a COVID-19 vaccination.
Ask Your Vaccine Questions
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines? This is understandable as there is a lot of information out there and it can be challenging to navigate it all. Thankfully, there are services available that can provide one-on-one help. Choose the service that’s most appropriate for you.
Call (807) 625-5900 (ext. 5108 or press 4 when prompted) to speak to a nurse between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or email vaccines@tbdhu.com.
Contact Ask a Nurse if you:
- have a questions about the safety or effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines and can’t find credible information elsewhere.
- are an international student or someone who has been immunized in another province/country and have questions about recording vaccines in Ontario or if you qualify as fully vaccinated.
- have unique circumstances and would like to discuss options for accommodating your vaccine appointment.
Parents and caregivers who have questions about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth can visit the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids clinician. Appointments can also be booked by phone by calling (437) 881-3505.
Contact SickKids if you:
- have specific questions or concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine for youth/children that you cannot find the answer to elsewhere.
- have children/youth with complex medical histories or medical conditions (i.e. chronic illness) and would like to consult with a doctor regarding their unique circumstances.
Visit Scarborough Health Network's Vax Facts page to book an appointment for a one-on-one phone consultation with a qualified SHN doctor or call (416) 438-2911 ext. 5738 to register by phone.
Contact the SHN VaxFacts Clinic if you:
- have a complex medical history or medical condition and would like to consult with a doctor regarding your personal situation.
Approved Vaccines
All COVID-19 vaccines are fully approved by Health Canada.
Public Health Agency of Canada monitors the ongoing safety and effectiveness of all approved vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines. In Ontario, all reported adverse events following immunization (AEFI) are tracked and made public. Once the product is on the market, the manufacturers are legally required to submit reports of adverse events to Health Canada.
Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are less effective at preventing Omicron infections, compared to protection against other variants of concern; however, a booster dose increases short-term protection against symptomatic Omicron infection. As well, vaccinations appear to be effective in reducing hospitalizations and death. Research is ongoing.
See the tabs below for more information on each COVID-19 vaccine.
For information on the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 Vaccine page.
Additional information on mRNA vaccines can be found from Public Health Ontario's What You Need to Know About mRNA Vaccines fact sheet.
For information on the Moderna Spikevax vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 Vaccine page.
Additional information on mRNA vaccines can be found from Public Health Ontario's What You Need to Know About mRNA Vaccines fact sheet.
For information on the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's AstraZeneca Vaxzevria COVID-19 Vaccine page.
On May 11, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting the pausing of the rollout and administration of first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine out of an abundance of caution due to an observed increase in the rare blood clotting condition, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT).
On May 21, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting that second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will once again be administered.
On June 3, 2021, Ontario provided a news release noting that those who received AstraZeneca for their first dose can safely receive one of the mRNA vaccines for their second dose.
Additional information on viral vector vaccines can be found from Public Health Ontario's What You Need to Know About Viral Vector Vaccines fact sheet.
For information on the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine page.
The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. This type of vaccine uses another virus (adenovirus) that is weakened so it cannot grow, to teach your body how to fight against the COVID-19 virus. One single dose of this vaccine is required for complete protection.
Additional information on viral vector vaccines can be found from Public Health Ontario's What You Need to Know About Viral Vector Vaccines fact sheet.
For information on the Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine page.
The Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. These types of vaccines use a weakened or inactivated virus or a part of a virus to trigger an immune response inside our body. Subunit vaccines cannot cause COVID 19 because they only contain small purified pieces of proteins and not the virus.
The Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine is available to those who are 18 years of age and older who have not yet been fully vaccinated with another COVID-19 vaccine, who reside (permanently or temporarily), work or attend school in Ontario. Two doses are needed, at least 21 days apart, for a complete vaccine series.
Requests for the Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine can be made by contacting TBDHU:
- In Thunder Bay by calling (807) 625-5900 (or toll-free at 1-888-293-6630) or emailing vaccines@tbdhu.com.
- In District Communities by contacting your local branch office.
Once contact with TBDHU has been made, names and phone numbers will be taken. TBDHU will follow up once guidance and supply from the Ontario Ministry of Health are received.
If you have an allergy or contraindication to an mRNA vaccine, please speak to your health care provider or allergist.
For information on the Medicago Covifenz vaccine, including authorized age, ingredients, how it works, how it's given, possible side effects and vaccine safety, visit Health Canada's Medicago Covifenz page.
Requests for the Medicago Covifenz vaccine can be made by contacting TBDHU:
- In Thunder Bay by calling (807) 625-5900 (or toll-free at 1-888-293-6630) or emailing vaccines@tbdhu.com.
- In District Communities by contacting your local branch office.
Once contact with TBDHU has been made, names and phone numbers will be taken. TBDHU will follow up once guidance and supply from the Ontario Ministry of Health are received.
Interchangeability of mRNA Vaccines
Individuals can safely receive different mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax) for their first, second and subsequent doses depending on their age. This supports individuals in getting fully immunized and receiving their booster doses more quickly and conveniently. This also helps offset issues related to vaccine supply and delivery.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and Ontario Ministry of Health have confirmed that a mixed vaccine schedule for the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. This means that individuals who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine can receive a different mRNA vaccine for their second and subsequent doses.
Mixing of mRNA vaccines is reasonable given the similarity of these vaccines in their mechanism of action, side effect profile and effectiveness against severe COVID-19 infection.
At this time, the mixed schedule does not apply to youth 12 to 17 years of age.
Individuals are encouraged to get any dose they are eligible for as soon as they are able, and to get the vaccine available at the clinic most convenient for them, regardless of which mRNA vaccine is offered at that clinic.
Interchangeability of AstraZeneca Vaxzevria and mRNA vaccines
Individuals have the option of receiving a second dose of the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine or choosing to have a second dose of one of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax). Individuals can review the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Individuals who receive a first dose of AstraZeneca to help them decide what choice is right for them. They can also have a discussion with a health care provider.
Current evidence recommends waiting 12 weeks to receive a second dose as this interval allows for a better/optimal immune response to be achieved. However, the province recognizes that some may want to receive their second dose sooner to have the increased protection provided by an earlier second dose.
Vaccine Safety
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.
It is important to remember that it typically takes a few weeks for the human body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible for a person to become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection. Even if you receive the vaccine, please continue to follow the public health measures to keep you, your loved ones and your community safe.
Ingredients in the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines can be found on the Government of Canada webpages:
The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are similar to those of other vaccines. They are mostly mild or moderate and usually go away within a few days after immunization. Common side effects include things like pain at the injection site, body chills, feeling tired, and feeling feverish. These types of side effects are expected and simply indicate the vaccine is working to produce protection.
As with all vaccines, there is a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. However, should you develop any of the following reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention right away or call 911:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- trouble breathing
- very pale colour and serious drowsiness
- high fever (over 40°C)
- convulsions or seizures
- other serious symptoms (e.g. “pins and needles” or numbness)
If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider, who can assess and report it if necessary.
If you still need to receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine, tell the person providing the vaccine about any side effects you experienced following any other doses.
As with any medicines and vaccines, allergic reactions are rare but can occur after receiving a vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy), swelling of your face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Most serious reactions will occur shortly after injection, and clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction should it occur. If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your health care provider.
Allergic reactions to the vaccine components are possible. The components of each vaccine are available:
Getting Vaccinated
Those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 can receive any of the doses they are eligible for.
Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people should still get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.
Being infected with COVID-19 may provide an individual with short term protection, but it is important to still get the vaccine, especially with the presence of variants of concern.
See the COVID-19 Vaccines: Dose Information for more information on when you should receive your vaccines after being infected with COVID-19.
Based on guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, other vaccines, including live or non-live vaccines for anyone age 12 and over.
Those aged 5 to 11 who receive the COVID-19 paediatric vaccine must wait at least 14 days before or after another vaccine (i.e. flu shot).
TBDHU can provide the COVID-19 vaccine to those without an OHIP or Ontario Health Card. Please call (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 to make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
Instructions to Download your Enhanced Vaccine Certificate
The enhanced vaccine certificates are available in PDF form to be downloaded to your computer, phone or tablet and can be printed. You should receive an email with a link to access your certificate. It can also be accessed through the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal (not accessible using Internet Explorer), or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
- Go to the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal.
- Scroll down to the section "To download your enhanced vaccine certificate or book your vaccine appointment" and if you read, understand and accept the terms of use, click “Download your enhanced vaccine certificate or book your vaccine appointment”.
- Enter your information (green health card number, version code and code on back; birth date; postal code) and click “Continue”.
- Click “Continue” in the yellow box titled “Proof of Vaccination”.
- Click "Download your enhanced vaccine certificate" for a PDF copy that you can save and/or print. If you scroll down on this page you can see your COVID-19 vaccination history.
- When you are finished, click "Logout" in the top right corner of the page.
Don’t have a printer or a smartphone? Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to get your enhanced vaccine certificate in the mail: 1-833-943-3900 (available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week). To print a copy of your enhanced vaccine certificate, you can visit your local library, go to a ServiceOntario location or ask a trusted friend or organization.
Resources for children and youth can be found on the Vaccine Information for Children and Youth page.
Vaccine Information for Individuals
All pregnant or trying to get pregnant individuals are eligible and recommended to be vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are recommended, at any stage in pregnancy (including first trimester), as COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be severe, and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.
It is recommended, but not required, that pregnant individuals have a discussion with their treating health care provider, or with a health care provider familiar with their pregnancy, that includes:
- a review of the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine,
- a review of the risk of acquiring a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy,
- a review of the potential risks /consequences associated with a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, and
- an acknowledgment of the limited evidence from clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines in the pregnant population.
The COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Patient Decision-Making Tool can be used by individuals to help make their decision about COVID-19 vaccination.
Please Note:
- A letter from a health care provider is not required for vaccination.
For Additional Information
- COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnancy - Ontario Ministry of Health
- COVID-19: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Newborns - TBDHU
- COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Decision-Making Support Tool (PDF) - Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy. (PDF)
- COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health
- BORN: COVID-19 Immunizations and Pregnancy (various languages available)
- COVID-19 Guidance: Labour, Delivery and Newborn Care (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health
- COVID-19 Information and Resources - Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health
The vaccines are safe for the breastfeeding person, and should be offered to those eligible for vaccination. Recent data shows that mRNA from vaccines do not transfer into breast milk. Anti-COVID-19 antibodies produced by the breastfeeding person have also been shown to transfer through breast milk and provide protection to the infant.
For Additional Information
- COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnancy - Ontario Ministry of Health
- COVID-19: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Newborns - TBDHU
- COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Decision-Making Support Tool (PDF) - Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health
- COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health
- COVID-19 Guidance: Labour, Delivery and Newborn Care (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health
- COVID-19 Information and Resources - Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health
Information on vaccines for this age group can be found on the Vaccine Information for Children and Youth page.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending that individuals aged 6 to 29 be immunized with the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine. This is due to an observed increase in Ontario of the very rare heart condition called pericarditis/myocarditis following vaccination with Moderna Spikevax compared to Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty in this age group, particularly among males.
Individuals who received Moderna Spikevax for their first dose can safely take the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine for their second and subsequent doses. Mixing vaccines is safe and effective.
All individuals age 6 to 29 who choose to receive Moderna Spikevax must provide informed consent and understand the increased risk of myocarditis/pericarditis for their age group.
Vaccination is highly recommended and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks, especially with the presence of variants of concern.
Pericarditis/Myocarditis
Myocarditis/pericarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccines remains rare, even among the age groups with the highest observed rates of this event, and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be recommended to prevent COVID-19 disease, which also includes a risk of myocarditis.
A small number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been identified in Ontario. The majority of these reported cases have been mild with individuals recovering quickly, normally with anti-inflammatory medication. Symptoms have typically been reported to start within one week after vaccination, more commonly after the second dose.
Please seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms of myocarditis/pericarditis develop after receiving the vaccine:
- chest pain or feelings of tightness
- shortness of breath
- heart palpitations (pounding or racing heart)
- feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm
As a precaution, individuals who experienced the rare myocarditis and/or pericarditis after a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Public Health Agency of Canada) should wait to get their second dose until more information is available.
All vaccines used in Ontario have been approved by Health Canada and are safe and effective.
- For individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine, their second dose appointment must be at least 8 weeks following the first dose. These individuals can choose whether they would like to receive the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine or an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax) for their second dose.
- Review the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Individuals who receive a first dose of AstraZeneca Vaxzevria to help you to decide what choice is right for you. You can also have a discussion with a health care provider.
- See the Individuals who Received the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria Vaccine section for more information.
- If you have received the AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine within the last 4-28 days and are experiencing new symptoms, please contact a health care provider for further assessment. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency department right away and tell them you have recently received an AstraZeneca Vaxzevria vaccine:
- severe headache that does not go away
- seizure
- difficulty moving part of your body
- new blurry or double vision that does not go away
- difficulty speaking
- shortness of breath
- severe chest, back or abdominal pain
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- new reddish or purplish spots or blood blisters
- new severe swelling, pain or colour change of an arm or leg
If you received any COVID-19 vaccine dose outside of Ontario, it is possible, but not always necessary, to have this recorded in COVaxON, Ontario’s provincial system to record COVID-19 vaccination. However, only public health units can enter this information; pharmacies and primary care offices do not have the ability to do so.
Please note that there will be a delay between when you submit the information to the TBDHU and when you receive notification from COVaxON. This is not an immediate process and we thank you for your patience.
You Live in a District Community
Please contact the Marathon branch office at 1-807-229-1820 to discuss the requirements to submit your information for entry into COVaxON.
You Live in Thunder Bay
At this time, in addition to proof of immunization from the place where you were immunized, (such as a receipt, card or certificate), you will also need to provide your Ontario Health card number if you have one or photo ID if you do not have an Ontario health card number in order for the TBDHU to create a record and record your vaccination. Currently, you can provide proof via:
- Email: Please send an email to vaccines@tbdhu.com. You will receive a reply with instructions on how to safely and securely email your proof of immunization.
- Fax: (807) 625-4828
- Mail: Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, 999 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6E7
- Drop off: Drop off a copy to your nearest TBDHU office. Please note that you must provide a copy to the TBDHU; our staff cannot make copies at this time.
Individuals who have already submitted their information to the health unit AND who have an Ontario Health Card or have already been issued a COVID ID, can book an appointment for any COVID-19 vaccine dose as they are eligible. Individuals must call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 to make an appointment (hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily) AND bring their proof of vaccination documentation and Ontario Health Card/COVID ID to the appointment.
In Canada, the following COVID-19 vaccines are currently authorized by Health Canada and are available in Ontario: Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty, Moderna Spikevax, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. Second doses for all those who received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose outside of Ontario or Canada should follow the interval recommended by Ontario, which is currently 8 weeks since the first dose was given. For information on booster doses, see the COVID-19 Vaccines Doses Information page.
Individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine that has not been approved in Canada should follow up with their health care provider or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for next steps regarding immunization. There is some guidance in the tab below, you can contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease program by calling (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 (extension 5108 or press 4 on the main menu), or you can call your nearest branch office.
Individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine that has not been approved in Canada should follow up with their health care provider or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for next steps regarding immunization. There is some guidance in the tabs below, you can contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease program by calling (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 (extension 5108 or press 4 on the main menu), or you can call your nearest branch office.
Individuals who have proof of immunization and have received a complete one or two-dose series with a vaccine that is not authorized for use by Health Canada will be offered one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine.
The minimum interval between the preceding dose and the additional dose should be 28 days.
If you have already received three doses of a non-Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine at the appropriate interval, no additional doses will be offered at this time.
Individuals who have proof of immunization and received an incomplete series of a non-Health Canada authorized vaccine, (i.e. 1 dose of a 2-dose vaccine), should receive one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine.
The minimum interval between the preceding dose and the additional dose should be 28 days.
If you have received a previous dose(s) of a COVID-19 vaccine, but have no proof of immunization, further investigation can be done to obtain proof of immunization/necessary information (e.g. contacting clinic location/health care provider or immunizer etc.).
If the COVID-19 vaccine product used for a previous dose(s) remains unknown, a new vaccine series should be started with a Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
If the previous date of immunization is known, it is prudent to wait for a period of at least 28 days after the administration of any other COVID-19 vaccine dose(s) before initiating a new Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine series. This interval is suggested since it is the minimum interval common to many vaccines.