COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Vaccines are safe

Vaccines are safe, effective, and are the best way to stay protected from COVID-19 and its variants. They are an important tool to help prevent serious illness and support the overall health and wellbeing of our children and communities.

Health Canada has approved the Pfizer vaccine for use in children aged five and over and the Moderna vaccine for use in children aged six months and over and determined that these vaccines:

• are safe, effective, and manufactured with rigorous quality control and assurance
• show a strong immune response and prepare the immune system to fight against COVID-19
• significantly decrease the risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection
• significantly decrease the risk of longer-term illness from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but serious condition that can occur in the weeks following COVID-19 infection

It is recommended that children and youth aged five and over receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

With informed consent, which should include awareness of possible elevated risk of myocarditis/pericarditis, children and youth aged five and over may receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Children aged six months to under five years can receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Learn more about Health Canada’s vaccine approval process and Ontario’s ethical framework for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

It will reduce the risk of getting sick again if they already had COVID-19

If your child had COVID-19, they should still get the vaccine. Vaccination is the preferred and safest method to provide additional protection for all children, including those aged six months to under five years. Having children vaccinated also provides further protection to their family members, especially if they have family members who are at risk for more severe illness.

Ontario, in alignment with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), has recommended that if your child has tested positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test, or was symptomatic and a household contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, they should wait eight weeks after symptom onset or positive test (if they had no symptoms) before receiving the next dose of COVID-19 vaccine in their primary series.

Children with moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions should wait four to eight weeks after symptom onset or positive test (if they had no symptoms).

Children with a previous history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) should receive the vaccine dose when they have recovered or more than 90 days since the onset of MIS-C, whichever is longer.

With informed consent, your child may receive their COVID-19 vaccine once their symptoms are gone and they have completed their isolation.

Individuals aged 12 to 17 years of age who get COVID-19 after a complete primary series should wait at least six months after having COVID-19 to get their booster dose.

It will help protect others

Like adults, children and youth may transmit the virus to others if they are infected, even if they don’t feel sick or have milder symptoms.

By vaccinating children and youth, it will reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19, but also ensure that those around them – including family, friends, teachers, and individuals they come into contact with, especially those who may be at greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19 – have increased protection.

Evidence has shown that higher vaccination rates across Ontario result in:

• reduced infections
• symptomatic disease
• hospitalization
• ICU admissions 

More people protected means healthier communities.

It will not interfere with getting other vaccines

If your child is behind on immunizations, we encourage you to contact their health care provider to get up to date.

Children between six months and under five years should wait 14 days before or after the administration of another vaccine before getting their COVID-19 vaccine. Parents and caregivers of children aged six months to under five years should discuss COVID-19 vaccination with their health care provider to determine the best timing and approach for COVID-19 vaccination.

Children between five and 11 years of age may be recommended to wait 14 days before or after the administration of another vaccine before getting their COVID-19 vaccine. Speak with your health care provider if you have questions.

Learn more about vaccines for children at school.

Why should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help your child resume the activities they enjoy and support their mental health and wellbeing.

Those who are unvaccinated have the greatest risk of infection, serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. 

Vaccination is an important tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and allow students and families to safely resume normal activities. When enough people are protected from COVID-19, the risk of infection for your child will begin to decline. Vaccines, along with mask-wearing, physical distancing and other precautions, will help protect the health of the broader community. 

Is it better for my child to develop natural immunity to COVID-19 than get vaccinated?

Doctor's and scientists do not know how long short-term natural immunity (from having COVID-19) lasts, and anyone who gets COVID-19 can have serious illness and symptoms that can last for many months. Vaccination remains your child's best defense against serious illness, hospitalization, and long-term effects of COVID-19. 

Should I be worried about long-term effects in my child?

Doctors and scientists are confident in the long-term safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for several reasons.

• This is not new vaccine technology. Scientists have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades, including for flu, Zika, rabies, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and cancer treatments. Decades of studying mRNA have shown no long-term side effects. Negative effects generally occur within six weeks of receiving the vaccine, and regulators in many countries required at least eight weeks of safety data. The vaccines have now been in use for many months with billions of doses administered around the world.
• Doctors and scientists are very confident in the track record of Canada’s vaccine approval and safety monitoring system. This means that the end data and safety tests for COVID-19 vaccines are the same as other vaccines that have been approved in Canada over the last several decades. Canada’s system has proven time and again that the data necessary to get through the approval process is sufficient to prove safety, even for the long-term.
• When considering long-term risks, a COVID-19 infection is a much more serious concern. The virus can cause long-term damage to lungs and other organs, as well as many other complications. This is called post-COVID-19 syndrome, or long COVID, and it’s one of the reasons why doctors recommend getting vaccinated.

What can I do to help my child be less scared to get their immunization?

There are lots of tips parents can use to support their child during COVID-19 immunization:

• Tell your child what they can do to ease the discomfort (e.g., sit still, breathe deeply, and relax the arm).
• Talk with your child about their feelings and let them ask questions.
• Be a role model for your child by staying calm and talking positively.
• Distract your child with a favourite toy, blanket, book, music, singing, or telling a joke or a story.
• Tell your child to take a deep breath and to blow it out slowly.
• Hold your child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you, with the arm exposed. Older children can sit alone if they wish.

What is the best way to hold my child while they get their immunization?

Cuddle position for younger children:

• Sit your child sideways on your lap
• hold the arm to be injected close to the child’s body and secure it at the elbow
• tuck the child’s other arm under the parent’s/carer’s armpit and behind the parent’s/carer’s back
• hold the child’s legs between the parent’s/carer’s legs

Straddle position for older children:

An older child may face you with their legs straddled over your lap. The child’s arms should be folded in front, and you should hug the child’s body to your chest.
Alternatively, the child can ‘hug’ you, with your arms holding the child’s arms in a shared hug. This position allows access to both upper arms and both thighs.

Is it okay for my child to use a numbing cream before they get their COVID-19 immunization?

Children and adults can use topical anesthetics to numb the skin. You can buy topical anesthetics at a drug store. Read the instructions before applying the product. It must be on the skin 30 to 60 minutes before they get their immunization.

Do minors between the ages of 12 to 17 need to provide identification as they may not have identification to verify their identity? 

If somebody is required to be fully vaccinated, they must prove both vaccination status and identity.

The identification requirements are flexible, and identification is required to confirm only name of the person and date of birth – government identification can be used for this purpose; however, is not the only type of ID accepted. Proof of identity can be established using documentation issued by an institution or public body, provided it includes the name of the holder and date of birth. Identification that young people may have access to that include name and date of birth could include birth certificate, or a passport, among other forms of ID.
However, there is an exemption from this requirement if the patron is under 18 years of age and is entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, as further described with the Ministry’s Guidance.

Does my 12 to 17 year old require parent or guardian consent to receive their vaccine? 

COVID-19 vaccines are only provided if informed consent is received from the person, as long as the child has the capability to make this decision. This means the young person understands the treatment, why it is being recommended, and the risks and benefits if they accept or refuse to be vaccinated. If the individual is incapable of consenting to receiving the vaccine, they would need consent from their substitute decision-maker, such as their parent or legal guardian.

The health care provider and family must respect a young person’s decision to be vaccinated. Ideally, this decision should be discussed in advance with a trusted adult or guardian to ensure that they understand what they are consenting to. When a young person receives their vaccine, the person giving them their shot will check that they understand the nature of the treatment and its risks and benefits.

Allowing access to vaccines in a timely manner and at convenient locations, without requiring parental consent, will improve the health of students and communities and are consistent with practices before COVID-19. Parents are encouraged to discuss vaccination with their children prior to attending a clinic.

Does my 5 to 11 year old require parent or guardian consent to receive their vaccine?

For KFL&A Public Health staff to immunize children between the ages of 5-11 consent from a parent or legal guardian is required. If a parent or legal guardian is NOT accompanying the child to a vaccine clinic appointment they must print and complete this consent form and the child will be required to bring it  with them. If they are brought by a parent or legal guardian, the consent form is NOT required.

Will the vaccine change my child's genetics or cause infertility?

No. The vaccine does not alter genetics or hormones. The active ingredient in the vaccine is called mRNA. It gets broken down very quickly after it is injected and cannot access your child’s genetics. The COVID-19 vaccines do not affect puberty, the ability to have children, or your child’s hormones as it never enters those systems in the body.

I received mixed doses of COVID-19 vaccine for my first and second dose. Which vaccine should I receive for my booster doses? 

How do I get a copy of my vaccine receipt? 

Individuals can download their vaccine receipt from the province of Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine portal. Individuals can visit their local library or can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their vaccine certificate mailed to them. They can also visit a Service Ontario centre to receive a printed copy.

Visit the Province of Ontario's website to view frequently asked questions on how to use your vaccination receipt.

What do I do if I have a medical exemption for COVID-19 vaccination?

Individuals who have experienced serious adverse events following COVID-19 immunization and those with certain medical conditions that may affect their response to immunization may be eligible for a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination.

In general, there are very few situations where the risks outweigh the potential benefits to where the COVID-19 vaccine would qualify as a medical exemption. Most individuals can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines.

• Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health - Guidance on which precautions to COVID-19 vaccination that may warrant a medical exemption.

As of January 10, 2022, a written medical exemption will no longer be accepted to access businesses and organizations that require proof of vaccination. You will be required to show your enhanced vaccination certificate with official QR code.

How to obtain an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code for those with medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination

1. Individuals who believe they are eligible for a medical exemption must contact their primary care provider who will discuss and make an assessment of your exemption.
2. Your primary care provider will assess your eligibility. If eligible, your primary care provide will complete a Statement of Medical Exemption and they will ask you to complete a Consent Form to share your exemption assessment information with Public Health. Your primary care provider will submit both documents to Public Health. NOTE: Individuals cannot submit their own exemptions, they must be submitted by your primary care provider. Primary care providers can be an Ontario physician or registered nurse in the extended class.
3. Your exemption will be reviewed by Public Health and if you are determined to be eligible, your information and exemption will be entered into the provincial database (COVaxON).
4. You will be contacted by Public Health to confirm your exemption has been processed and that your enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is available to download from the provincial portal.
5. Your QR code can then be used at businesses and settings requiring proof of vaccination.

How does someone prove they are fully vaccinated if documents are from out of province or out of country? 

Individuals from outside the province or the country will be required to show they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and identification to enter specified settings.

Proof of vaccination from outside of Ontario will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their identification document matches the vaccination receipt with name and date of birth and if the person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as specified by O. Reg. 364/20.

Individuals visiting from outside the province or the country will be required to show their full vaccination status and identification to enter the specified settings referenced in O. Reg. 364/20. This may require showing one or more pieces of information. Ontario residents who received their first dose or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine outside Ontario or Canada can register their vaccination records through their local public health unit.

If the vaccination receipt or proof of identity from out of country is in a language that the business or organization cannot use to verify the documents, the business or organization may request a translated copy in addition to the original receipt.

Ontario residents who received both appropriate doses of a Health Canada-authorized COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario will be able to obtain a vaccination receipt through the COVID-19 vaccine portal, once their vaccination information is successfully registered.

Information on non-Health Canada approved vaccines that can be found here. 

How do I report COVID-19 Immunizations received outside of Ontario or Canada? 

If you received your COVID-19 immunizations outside of Ontario or Canada, please submit a record of your immunization to KFL&A Public Health.

If you received your first dose outside Ontario or Canada, you must report your immunization before booking your second dose.  

If I have had COVID-19 when should I get vaccinated?

If you have had COVID-19  you should still get your COVID-19 vaccinations, including your booster doses. 

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization suggests has guidance on recommended intervals between COVID-19 infection and vaccination:

How can employers support vaccination efforts?

This new toolkit provides employers with key considerations to support the development and implementation of their own workplace vaccination policies. Businesses and workplaces are encouraged to use this toolkit and policy example as they develop their own policies. Please note the information provided in this guide does not contain legal advice and should not be relied on or treated as legal advice. 

How do I cancel an appointment? 

• If you booked your appointment through KFL&A Public Health’s Simply Book link:
  • please call us at 343-477-0172
• If you booked your appointment with a pharmacy or hospital, contact them directly to make any changes.
• If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking system, you can reschedule or cancel by following these steps:
  • If you booked online – go to the confirmation email you got when you booked and follow the instructions.
  • If you booked by phone – call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
    • You will need your:
    • health card (information on front and back)
    • postal code

How do I book an appointment if I don't have an Ontario health card?

You do not need an Ontario health card to receive the vaccine.

The provincial booking tool requires the green photo health (OHIP) card as a form of authentication when booking. Both the numbers on the front and back of the card are required. An expired health card can be used to create a vaccination appointment through this online tool.

Individuals who have a red and white health card will need to call the provincial call centre to book their appointment. Call: 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you do not have a health card, you will be directed to your local public health unit to validate your identity. Once your identity and eligibility are confirmed, the public health unit will provide you with a booking ID which can then be used to book an appointment online using the provincial booking tool, or through the call centre. KFL&A residents can call 343-477-0172. 

Are there precautions with the COVID-19 vaccines for individuals with allergies? 

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain eggs, gelatin, preservatives or antibiotics.

People with allergies to any vaccine ingredients listed below should not take this vaccine.

Individuals who have had a suspected hypersensitivity or have had an immediate allergic reaction to the following should not get either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine unless they have been evaluated by an allergist-immunologist:

• a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
• any components of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine including polyethylene glycol (PEG)
  • This ingredient is in both vaccines
  • It can also be found in laxatives, makeup, skin care products, personal lubricants, toothpastes, and some contact lenses. It is also in cough syrup, and in some food and drinks.
• polysorbate due to potential cross-reactive hypersensitivity with the vaccine ingredient PEG

If you are unsure of the ingredients you are allergic to, talk to a health care provider.

Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Ingredients:

• mRNA (medicinal ingredient)
• ALC-0315 = (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)
• ALC-0159 = 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N, N-ditetradecylacetamide
• 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
• dibasic sodium phosphate dehydrate
• monobasic potassium phosphate

Moderna Vaccine Ingredients:

• mRNA (medicinal ingredient)
• 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)
• acetic acid, cholesterol, lipid SM-102
• PEG2000DMG1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycerol,methoxy-polyethyleneglycol
• tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride
• sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection

What are Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and how do I find out more about them? 

An adverse event following immunization (AEFI) is an unwanted or unexpected change in health that happens after someone receives a vaccine, which may or may not be caused by the vaccine. Adverse events are rare and typically non-serious, however, unusual or severe reactions and may require immediate medical attention. If you experience an adverse event, contact your health care provider. Health care professionals are required to report these adverse events to public health. Public health investigates AEFIs and provide support to individuals, families, and clinic staff.

Health Canada publishes AEFI data related to the approved COVID-19 vaccines.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is responsible for a no-fault Vaccine Injury Support Program, offering financial support to those have who have experience serious permanent injury after receiving an authorized vaccine.

If I had a reaction to a different vaccine in the past, can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine?

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines? 

These are common side effects of vaccines and do not pose a risk to health.

As with all vaccines, there's a chance that there will be a serious side effect such as an allergic reaction, but these are rare. 

Report to your health care provider if you have any unusual symptoms after receiving the vaccine. Unusual symptoms may include:

• A high fever (greater than 40°C).
• An allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, throat swelling, difficulty swallowing/breathing).
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea and/or headache.
• Reactions that are severe or require visit to a doctor or hospitalization.
• Reactions that do not go away after a few days.

COVID-19 vaccine after care information sheets

• COVID-19 Vaccine After Care - Pfizer and Moderna - KFL&A Public Health

I just got vaccinated for something else. Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine now?

After receiving your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should not receive any other vaccines for 28 days. If for some reason you need another vaccine within 28 days, discuss this with your doctor or health care provider. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding

Pregnancy

• If you are pregnant, it is recommended to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Pregnant people who become infected with covid-19 become sicker than non-pregnant people and are more likely to need ICU care. Pregnant people with Covid-19 are more likely to deliver their baby early.
• The Covid-19 vaccine is considered safe at any point of pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

• The Covid-19 is safe and recommended for breastfeeding people.
• The vaccine does not pass through your breastmilk.
• The antibodies your body makes after getting the vaccine passes through your breastmilk and may help protect your baby from Covid-19.

Resources

• COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health
• COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts (PDF) - Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• Pregnant? Now is the Time to get your COVID-19 Vaccine - Hamilton Health Sciences

If I develop COVID-19 symptoms after getting the vaccine, what should I do?

Some of the side effects of the vaccines are similar to symptoms of COVID-19. These include: tiredness, headache, muscle or joint pain, chills, and fever.

• MnRA side effects may also include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• AstraZeneca or COVISHIELD side effects may also include nausea and vomiting and itchiness or hardened skin at the injection site. 

If your symptoms are severe or unusual, contact your health care provider or call 911 if seriously unwell.

If your symptoms started more than three days after you were vaccinated, or your symptoms have lasted for more than two days, then you should get tested for COVID-19. You may have been exposed to COVID-19 before you were vaccinated. The vaccine cannot infect you with COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for first doses

Click image to view in full screen - PDF

The Ministry of Health provides detailed guidance for the Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination. KFL&A Public Health is working with many partners in our community to provide vaccines through a variety of immunization clinics to meet these eligibility priorities. We are continuing to vaccinate those in Phase 1 categories along with Phase 2. 

There are no areas within the KFL&A region that are considered provincial hot spots. 

Staff and essential caregivers in long-term care homes, high-risk retirement homes and First Nations elder care homes, and any residents of these settings that have not yet received a first dose of vaccine; alternative level of care patients in hospitals who have a confirmed admission to a long-term care home, retirement home or other congregate care home for seniors; highest priority health care workers, followed by very high priority health care workers, in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization; and Indigenous adults in northern remote and higher risk communities (including on-reserve and urban communities).

Phase 1: High risk populations

Adults 80 years of age and older. Staff, residents and caregivers in retirement homes and other congregate care settings for seniors (e.g., assisted living); health care workers in the high priority level, and in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization; all Indigenous adults; and adult recipients of chronic home care.

Phase 2: Mass deliveries of vaccine 

• Beginning with those 79 years of age and decreasing in increments over the course of the vaccine rollout.
• Youth (12 to 25 years) clinics were added to phase 2 vaccine rollout to ensure first and second dose were given before school in September..

Individuals with Health Conditions

Highest-Risk Health Conditions:

• Pregnant individuals
• Organ transplant recipients
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
• Neurological diseases in which respiratory function may be compromised (e.g., motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis)
• Haematological malignancy diagnosed <1 year
• Kidney disease eGFR< 30

High-Risk Health Conditions:

• Obesity (BMI > 40)
• Other treatments causing immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy, immunity weakening medications)
• Intellectual or developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome)

At-Risk Health Conditions:

• Immune deficiencies/autoimmune disorders
• Stroke/cerebrovascular disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• All other cancers
• Respiratory diseases
• Spleen problems (e.g., asplenia)
• Heart disease
• Hypertension with end organ damage
• Diagnosis of mental disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Thalassemia
• Immunocompromising health conditions
• Other disabilities requiring direct support care in the community

High-Risk Congregate Living Settings

High-Risk Congregate living settings include:

• Supportive housing
• Developmental services / intervenor including supported independent living (SIL)
• Emergency homeless shelters
• Other homeless populations not in shelters
• Mental health and addictions congregate living (e.g., supportive housing, hospital psychiatric patients)
• Homes for special care
• Employer-provided living accommodations for temporary foreign agricultural workers
• Adult correctional facilities
• Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters
• Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) residences
• Children’s residential facilities
• Youth justice facilities
• Indigenous healing and wellness
• Bail beds & Indigenous bail beds
• Provincial and demonstration schools/ Consortium Centre Jules-Léger

Essential workers who cannot work from home

First Group of Essential Workers Who Cannot Work from Home

• Elementary/ secondary school workers (including educators, custodial, school bus drivers, administrative staff)
• Workers responding to critical events (including police, fire, special constables, children’s aid society workers, emergency management, critical infrastructure restoration workers).
• Enforcement, inspection and compliance roles (including by-law enforcement, building inspectors, food inspectors, animal welfare inspectors, border inspection officers, labour inspectors / WSIB field workers)
• Individuals working in childcare as follows:
  • All licensees, employees and students on an educational placement who interact directly with children in licensed childcare centres and in authorized recreation and skill building programs.
  • Licensed home child care and in-home service providers, employees of a home child care agency and students on an educational placement
• Foster care agency workers (including customary care providers)
• Food manufacturing and distribution workers
• Agriculture and farm workers
• Funeral, crematorium and cemetery workers

Second Group of Essential Workers Who Cannot Work from Home

• Essential and critical retail workers (including grocery, postal workers, foodbank and non-clinical pharmacy workers, ServiceOntario workers, ServiceCanada and Passport Canada workers, wholesalers and general goods, restaurant workers, LCBO)
• Workers in manufacturing industries directly involved in supporting the COVID19 response, construction including infrastructure, and other essential businesses and services where facilities are at heightened risk for COVID-19 outbreaks and spread.
• Social workers and other social services staff providing in-person client services (including youth justice workers, OW and ODSP case workers)
• Courts and justice system workers (including probation and parole workers)
• Transportation, warehousing and distribution workers (including public transit workers, taxi drivers supporting essential services, truck drivers supporting essential services, marine and rail cargo and maintenance, highway maintenance)
• Electricity (including workers employed in system operations, generation, transmission, distribution and storage).
• Communications infrastructure workers (including cellular, satellite, landline, internet, public safety radio)
• Water and wastewater management workers
• Financial services workers (bank branch staff)
• Veterinarians and veterinary teams
• Waste management workers
• Oil and petroleum workers (including those working in petroleum refineries; those involved in the storage, transmission and distribution of crude oil and petroleum products and those needed for the retail sale of fuel).
• Natural gas and propane gas workers (including those working in the compression, storage, transmission and distribution of natural gas and propane)
• Mine workers (including those needed to ensure the continued operation of active mines)
• Uranium processing workers (those working in the refining and conversion of uranium, and fabrication of fuel for nuclear power plants).

Phase 3: Steady state 

• Remaining Ontarians over 12 years old who wish to be vaccinated

Types of vaccines

• Pfizer
• Moderna
• AstraZeneca

Types of vaccine clinics

• KHSC hospital based clinics
• Mobile clinics (work with individual facilities to deliver vaccines on-site
• Mass vaccination clinics (semi-permanent locations in KFL&A area)
• Strategic in-community clinics to reach high-risk  priority populations (temporary locations in KFL&A area)
• Primary care clinics
• Pharmacy clinics

COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for second doses

Click image to view in full screen (PDF)

• Week of May 31: individuals aged 80 years and older.
• Week of June 7: individuals aged 70 years and older, and individuals who received first dose between March 8 to April 18, on a “first-in, first-out” basis (e.g., includes individuals with the highest risk health conditions and special education workers).
• Week of June 21: individuals who received their first dose on or before May 9 will be eligible to book or rebook their second dose appointment at a shortened interval.
• Week of June 28 (day and sequence to be confirmed): individuals aged 18 and older who have received their first dose will be eligible to book their second dose appointment at least 28 days after the first dose.