As of Sept. 1, 2024, Health Canada has discontinued all COVID-19 XBB vaccines in Canada as they prepare for the approval of the new COVID-19 KP.2 vaccines in the fall.
This means that there will be no COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada until the new product arrives in October.
The new KP.2 vaccines will provide greater protection for circulating COVID-19 strains compared to earlier vaccine formulations available before Sept. 1, 2024.
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Visit our COVID-19 immunizations page
Rapid antigen tests
Rapid antigen tests are no longer available at KFL&A Public Health locations
- The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has indicated that the distribution of the free RATs to the public is being discontinued and retailers are currently distributing their remaining supply.
- RATs are available for purchase online at some retailers.
- If you are symptomatic and eligible for Paxlovid, speak to your health-care provider or pharmacy regarding molecular (PCR) testing.
How COVID-19 spreads
COVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks.
The COVID-19 virus is most often spread from an infected person through:
- Respiratory secretions (e.g., runny nose, saliva) and droplets generated by coughing or sneezing.
- Close, prolonged personal contact, such as living in the same household or working directly with someone who is infected with the virus.
Less commonly, the virus may also spread through touching an object with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Symptoms can include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. More severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain can occur in some people.
People who have COVID-19 symptoms should isolate (stay away from others) until you do not have a fever and your symptoms have been getting better for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea).
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (even mild symptoms) and are at higher risk of serious illness, you should get tested for COVID-19 (by PCR or rapid antigen test). A rapid antigen test (RAT) may be used but it might be negative in the early stages of illness.
Contact your health care provider or pharmacist as soon as possible as you may benefit from COVID-19 treatment. The treatment (Paxlovid) must be taken within the first 5 days of your symptoms starting. To see if this treatment is right for you see the COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener.
Some people continue to experience symptoms for many weeks or months after the first infection. This condition is called “long COVID” or Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS).
To lower your chances of getting COVID-19, or spreading it to others, follow tips for infection prevention and stay up to date with your COVID-19 immunizations.