The FREE updated COVID-19 vaccine, along with the annual flu vaccine, is available to everyone 6 months and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario, unless there is a medical reason not to.
More information about who is high-risk and a priority population as well as how to get the vaccine is available below.
It is safe to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time and it reduces the need for more than one visit to a health care provider, making it very convenient for families.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available starting in early October for those who are more vulnerable to a COVID-19 infection or serious complications and hospitalization from COVID-19.
individuals 6 months of age and older who are/have:
residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings
pregnant
in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities
those who have underlying medical conditions that places them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs
Priority populations including:
children 6 months to 4 years of age
health care workers
first responders
individuals with significant exposure to birds and mammals (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians)
Starting October 28, everyone who is not part of the high-risk and priority population group is eligible.
It depends on a person's situation:
Previously vaccinated individuals, 6 months and older AND completed their primary series
Recommended to receive a dose if it has been at least 6 months since the last dose.
The decision of when to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses may be appropriate at different times based on the person's unique health status and personal situation. Individuals are encouraged to speak with a health care provider.
Live outside of Thunder Bay and the surrounding rural communities? Visit the DISTRICT VACCINATION CLINIC PAGE for more information.
Once you are eligible (see above), the following options are available:
Only vaccines that Health Canada has approved for use will be available in Ontario. Although Novavax is approved for use in Canada, it is not available in Ontario.
Everyone will be offered an age-appropriate and Health Canada approved vaccine based on their eligibility at the time of vaccination.
The approved vaccines show a strong immune response and prepare the immune system to fight against COVID-19 and its variants.
This significantly decreases:
the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection significantly
the risk of longer-term illness from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or adults (MS-A), a rare but serious condition that can occur in the weeks following COVID-19 infection.
