COVID-19 Vaccines

First appointment bookings

Book appointments through KFL&A Public Health at the following sites:

Beechgrove Complex (51 Heakes Lane, Kingston)

INVISTA Centre (1350 Gardiners Road, Kingston)

Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC) (263 Weller Ave., Unit 4, Kingston - Kingston)

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) (Kingston General Hospital entrance at 18 George St., Kingston)

Kingston Community Health Centre (KCHC) (263 Weller Ave., Unit 4, Kingston - Kingston)

Memorial Centre (303 York St., Kingston) 

Strathcona Paper Centre (SPC) (16 McPherson Dr, Napanee) 

Book an appointment online using the provincial online vaccine booking tool. 

Call 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. if you require assistance with booking or have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

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, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

First appointments for youth and family clinics (for youth 12 to 17 and their families ONLY)

Book appointments for youth and their families:

• COVID-19 youth and family vaccination clinic locations
• View our vaccine FAQs for more information on COVID-19 vaccine safety for kids. 

Youth must be 12 years of age or older on day of appointment.

First appointments at participating local pharmacies 

Pharmacy appointments are available in KFL&A. Pharmacies are awaiting confirmation of vaccine shipments and will directly contact patients that were given a first dose at their pharmacy. Please be patient - do not call pharmacies as they are experiencing a high volume of calls and must continue to provide their regular patient care services.

Participating pharmacy clinics

First appointments for people who are homebound (closing June 25)

Or phone: 343-477-0172

Reporting 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.  

Early second appointments for priority groups

Those eligible for an earlier second dose can also book online using the provincial online vaccine booking tool. The timing of second dose appointments may vary based on vaccine supply and the date of your first dose. 

Book a COVID-19 Vaccination appointment using the provincial online tool or call the provincial phone line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. if you require assistance with booking or have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Second doses for youth 12 to 25 years of age

• Second doses for youth 12 to 25 years of age will be offered during the youth focused periods planned for August 9 to 22, 2021.
  • For youth that received their first vaccine dose prior to June 14, 2021 this will mean an 8 to 16 week dose interval
  • For adolescents that received their first vaccine dose between June 14 and 27, this will mean an interval of +/- 56 days (8 weeks)
  • For adolescents that receive their first dose after June 27, 2021 product monograph and clinical guidance will inform the minimum intervals as well as local circumstances that may otherwise dictate the dose interval relating to available vaccine supply. We will share any emerging information with you as we get to that date.
• Adolescents who are First Nation, Inuit and Metis or who have one of the identified high risk health conditions will be offered a second dose at product monograph.

Second dose appointments for individuals who received AstraZeneca

As of June 14, individuals who received their first dose of AstraZeneca will be eligible to book their second dose appointment at an interval of eight weeks. Individuals can choose between a second dose of AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine, at an eight to 12-week interval, recognizing that while waiting 12 weeks helps to ultimately provide more protection, some may choose to receive their second dose sooner to have the increased protection provided by a second dose earlier. All of these options provide protection against COVID-19, including the Delta variant, and have been deemed safe. 

This resource from the Ministry of Health provides additional information for Individuals who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

With informed consent, individuals who wish to receive an vaccine for their second dose can book an appointment through:

Book appointments through a local participating pharmacy:

Book appointments through KFL&A Public Health at the following sites:

INVISTA Centre (1350 Gardiners Road, Kingston)

Memorial Centre (303 York St., Kingston)

Strathcona Paper Centre (SPC) (16 McPherson Dr, Napanee) 

Book appointments through the provincial online booking tool:

Book a COVID-19 Vaccination appointment using the provincial online tool or call the provincial phone line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. if you require assistance with booking or have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Shortened second dose appointments for high-risk health care workers

The Ministry of Health has added high-risk health care workers to the list of those who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 second dose earlier than the 16-week interval.

Eligible health care workers include:

Shortened second dose appointments for other eligible groups

• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges and assisted living facilities, will continue to receive their second dose COVID-19 vaccine at the initial intervals recommended by the product manufacturer.

The following group should bring a letter from the hospital clinic or specialist to confirm that they are eligible to get a second dose appointment at the monograph interval, identifying the reason for the exception. This letter should be presented at both the first and second appointment. Individuals in this group that wish to book an earlier second dose appointment and cancel their previously scheduled appointment, can phone the KFL&A Public Health booking centre at 343-477-0172.

• Individuals in the authorized age group who are taking an anti-CD20 agent (e.g., rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab). 
• Individuals with malignant hematologic disorders on immunocompromising therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy).
• Individuals with nonhematologic malignant solid tumours on immunocompromising therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy).
• Individuals that are transplant recipients (including solid organ transplants and hematopoletic stem cell transplants), given evidence of reduced immune response to vaccination in these individuals.

 How to cancel an appointment

Please cancel any appointments you no longer need, to keep available appointments open for booking by others. 

• If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking system and have not received your first dose, 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

If you booked your appointment with a pharmacy or hospital, contact them directly to make any changes.

If you booked your appointment through KFL&A Public Health’s Simply Book link:

• If you booked online – go to the confirmation email you received when you booked and follow the instructions.

• If you booked by phone – call KFL&A Public Health’s Booking Centre at 343-477-0172.

Standby list for first dose and those eligible for second dose

Single sign up:

Individuals need to sign up only once per vaccination clinic. Individuals will remain on the standby list until they either receive a vaccination or request to be removed.

• INVISTA Centre – First and those eligible for their second dose – 1350 Gardiner’s Road, Kingston
• Strathcona Paper Centre – First and those eligible for their second dose – 16 McPherson Drive, Napanee

 Daily sign up:

This standby list will be reset each day. Please visit the list and register everyday you are available to receive your vaccine.

• Kingston Community Health Centre – FIRST DOSE only - 263 Weller Avenue, Kingston

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.

Which vaccine should I get for my second dose?

If your first dose was:

• AstraZeneca: you can get AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer for your second dose when you are eligible and it has been at least 8 weeks after your first dose.

• Moderna or Pfizer: you can safely take either Moderna or Pfizer for your second dose for strong protection. Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are authorized for use in Canada and use a similar mRNA technology.

All of these options:

• are safe

• provide strong protection against COVID-19

• will count as a complete series (you will be fully vaccinated)

What are the recommendations for youth 12 to 17 years of age? 

Youth 12 to 17 years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Currently this is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada for youth in this age category. Youth must be 12 years of age at the time of their vaccination appointment. 

The second dose interval for youth will be shortened to 56 days. Appointments for the second dose will be arranged at your first clinic appointment. 

Ontario pediatricians answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

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 reach the area where your child’s genetics are stored. The COVID-19 vaccines can not affect puberty, the ability to have children, or your child’s hormones as it is not involved in those body systems.

Can my child get the vaccine if they are on medication?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine does not interfere with other medications your child may be taking.
Prescribed or over the counter medications will also not affect how the vaccine works. Talk to your child's pediatrician or family doctor if you have more questions.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine work with the regular vaccinations?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine doesn't appear to affect other vaccines and vice versa. Out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that the timing of the COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine is:

1. Wait 14 days after another vaccine before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
2. Wait 28 days after the COVID-19 vaccine before getting another vaccine.

Do kids really need the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Kids need the COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone needs the vaccine!
Children can catch and spread COVID-19.
Children may not get as sick as adults but they can have symptoms for weeks. The vaccine is our best path back to regular routines.

Can my child with allergies get the vaccine?

Yes. Children with allergies can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Children with severe allergies to food, medications and insect bites should all be vaccinated. If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or medical product, or if you have other questions about allergic reactions, this should be discussed with your child's pediatrician or family doctor before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Will the vaccine lead to blood clots?

No. There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine approved for children causes blood clots.

My child has other medical issues, is it safe for them to be vaccinated?

Yes. Children with other medical conditions such as Autism, ADHD, heart or kidney problems, or any other conditions can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are concerned about a specific medical condition, be sure to speak with your child's pediatrician or family doctor.

Should I be worried that the vaccine was developed so quickly?

No. All testing and approval processes were followed for the COVID-19 vaccines. Many resources were made available to develop the COVID-19 vaccines so quickly because of how many people developed the disease around the world. The technologies behind the COVID-19 vaccines were built on decades of research and experience. No steps were skipped in the development, testing or approval processes. 

*Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe For Kids, developed by the Pediatrics Section, OMA COVID-19 Working Group

Resources

• Kids Health First - COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario youth
• Child and Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet (français) (PDF) - Government of Ontario
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet: For Youth (Age 12 to 17): Vaccine information for youth receiving the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• What Youth Need to Know About their Appointment: Provides information for youth on how to prepare for an upcoming COVID-19 vaccination appointment and what to do after receiving the vaccine. 
• COVID-19 Vaccine Youth (Age 12 to 17) Consent Form: A paper copy of the form used by health care providers to document consent from youth or their parent/legal guardian for the COVID-19 vaccination. You are not required to bring a printed copy of the consent form to the clinic appointment.

What if I can not book online or have questions about booking?

If you require assistance with booking or still have a red and white health card, call the provincial customer service desk at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007); line is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Please do not call KFL&A Public Health’s main line to book an appointment. If you do not have a health card, phone number, or email address, please call 343-477-0172; line is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Can someone book on my behalf?

• Government of Ontario green photo health card
• Birth date
• Postal code
• Email address or phone number

How can I register if I don't have a 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, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Can I choose the date and time of my appointment?

Yes. The online vaccine booking tool allows you to see all available dates and times under each clinic location. You are free to select whichever appointment fits your schedule.

Does my child require parent or guardian consent to receive their vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are only provided if informed consent is received from the person, including those aged 12 to 17, and 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.

Who can answer my questions about vaccine safety?

For questions on COVID-19 vaccines, call 1-888-999-6488; line is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Please do not call KFL&A Public Health’s main line for information on vaccines. If you have any health concerns, it is always best to speak with your health care provider.

What to expect at the vaccine clinic?

• Screen for symptoms of COVID-19
• Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment
• Bring your health card
• Review consent form (do not need to print form as verbal consent will be requested at the clinic)
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt
• Wear a face covering (and at the clinic you will be given a medical mask)