COVID-19 Vaccines
- All COVID-19 vaccines authorized in Canada are proven safe, effective and of high quality.
- As of September 16, 2021, four vaccines are fully approved by Health Canada; Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty, Moderna Spikevax, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
- Several other vaccines are currently under the process of approval by Health Canada.
- Health Canada only approves a vaccine after a thorough review process. The safety requirements in clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine were just as strict as the regular process for any other vaccine.
- After approval, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada monitor the ongoing safety and effectiveness of all approved vaccines.
Specific Vaccine Information
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 Corminaty COVID-19 Vaccine page.
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.
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.
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.
The Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine is available to those who are 18 years of age and older who have not yet been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine and who provide informed consent to receive this vaccine. Please note the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a complete series of mRNA vaccine for individuals without contraindications to the mRNA vaccine. See the Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for full details.
Requests for the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine can be made by contacting TBDHU at (807) 625-5900 (or toll-free at 1-888-293-6630) or email vaccines@tbdhu.com. If you have an allergy or contraindication to an mRNA vaccine, please speak to your health care provider or allergist.
Once contact with TBDHU has been made, names and phone numbers will be taken. Limited supply is available and appointments may take 1-4 weeks.
Please see the Ontario Ministry of Health's Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet for specific details.
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.