Last updated: April 6, 2023

Spring boosters are available for certain high-risk groups if it’s been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 dose or infection. Book an appointment at a City-run  immunization clinic or call 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). Walk-ins available based on capacity. Vaccines are also available at pop-up clinicspharmacies, hospitals and some family doctors.

 

It is important for everyone to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations as this is the best protection against getting very sick.

Anyone 5 years of age and older, who did not get a booster on or after September 1st, 2022, can come get a booster dose now. Bivalent Omicron-containing COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the preferred booster products for eligible people.

Time your vaccine 6 months after a COVID-19 vaccine dose or a COVID-19 infection. Even if you recently had COVID-19, getting vaccinated gives hybrid immunity for stronger and longer lasting immunity.

As of March 3, 2023, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization NACI recommends a spring booster (additional COVID-19 booster) for people who are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. Specific high- risk groups are recommended to get a spring booster dose if at least 6 months have passed since their last dose or COVID-19 infection.

Find a vaccine clinic near you.

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune system to make antibodies that protect us from the COVID-19 virus. Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination, including any booster dose(s) when eligible, will reduce the risk of getting, spreading, and becoming seriously sick with COVID-19. It can also help lower the risk of long COVID. None of the vaccines contain COVID-19 and cannot give you the virus.

The vaccine is given using a needle in your upper arm. It takes at least two weeks after getting a vaccine dose to be protected. The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna Spikevax, Novavax Nuvaxovid, Medicago Covifenz and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses to complete a primary series, and one dose for the Janssen vaccine. Boosters give the best protection for anyone 5 years of age and older.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Spikevax vaccines are ‘messenger RNA’ or ‘mRNA’ vaccines. These are “monovalent vaccines” which means that they contain one strain of the COVID-19 virus – the original strain. They use mRNA to give our cells instructions to make antibodies. The mRNA does not change our DNA. mRNA vaccines are interchangeable which means that they are very similar and either one can be used. We recommend that you get the first vaccine that is available to you, regardless of any previous doses.

Learn more about how the mRNA vaccines work.

Health Canada has approved mRNA vaccines for everyone 6 months of age and older.

The following are approved:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech (also known as Pfizer)
    • December 9, 2020 for 16 years and older
    • May 2, 2021 for 12 years and older
    • November 9, 2021 first booster for 18 years and older
    • Pediatric Pfizer (10 mcg) on November 19, 2021 for 5 to 11 year olds
    • Pediatric Pfizer (10 mcg) on August 19, 2022 first booster for 5 to 11 year olds
    • Pediatric Pfizer (3 mcg) on September 9, 2022 for 6 months to 5 years old
    • October 7, 2022 bivalent booster (30 mcg) for 12 years and older
    • December 9, 2022 bivalent booster (10 mcg) for 5 to 11 year olds
  • Moderna Spikevax (also known as Moderna)
    • December 23, 2020 for 18 years and older
    • August 27, 2021 for 12 years and older
    • November 12, 2021 first booster for 18 years and older
    • March 17, 2022 a half dose (50 mcg) for 6 to 11 year olds
    • Pediatric Moderna (25 mcg) on July 14, 2022 for 6 months to 5 years old
    • September 1, 2022 BA.1 bivalent booster for 18 years and older
    • November 3, 2022 BA.4/5 bivalent booster for 18 years and older
    • February 17, 2022 BA.1 bivalent booster for 6 to 17 year olds

Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines

Health Canada has approved the following Omicron-containing mRNA vaccines as boosters:

  • Moderna Spikevax BA.1 Bivalent (25 mcg for ages 6 to 11; 50 mcg for ages 12+)
  • Moderna Spikevax BA.4/5 Bivalent (50mcg)
  • Pfizer-BioNTech BA.4/5 Bivalent (10 mcg for ages 5 to 11; 30 mcg for ages 12+)

Bivalent means that the vaccine targets two strains of COVID-19 – the original strain and Omicron. The bivalent booster can give better protection against highly contagious Omicron variants. There have been no clinical trials comparing the two bivalent vaccines, and both are likely to provide strong protection to Omicron variants.

The monovalent Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, containing only the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, will still be used to complete the primary series.

Based on the Moderna Bivalent clinical trials:

  • People showed a stronger immune response against the original strain, Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5 compared to the original Moderna booster.
  • Adverse events were generally similar or lower compared to the original Moderna vaccine.
  • There were no reports of vaccine-related cases of myocarditis, pericarditis or deaths.

Based on the Pfizer Bivalent approval:

  • It is expected to provide a stronger immune response against Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.4/5 compared to the original Pfizer vaccine.
  • It is expected to similar safety profile compared to the original Pfizer vaccine when used as a booster.

NACI and Public Health Ontario will continue to closely monitor any potential adverse effects.

For eligibility information, visit our Vaccines Eligibility & Doses page.

Myocarditis and Pericarditis

Myocarditis and pericarditis are types of inflammation in different parts of the heart. In Canada, there have been rare reports of myocarditis/pericarditis after getting a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The situation is being closely monitored.

Most people who have gotten myocarditis/pericarditis after vaccination had a mild illness and symptoms went away without any concerns about long-term complications. Getting a COVID-19 infection puts you at more serious risk of myocarditis/pericarditis. For this reason, vaccination is still recommended as the benefits outweigh the risks.

The risk of myocarditis/pericarditis after a booster dose is lower compared to the second dose in the primary series. Current data does not show a difference in myocarditis/pericarditis risk between Moderna and Pfizer after a booster dose in adults.

See Myocarditis and Pericarditis After Covid-19 Vaccines) for more information.

Potential Side Effects and Seeking Medical Attention

Most vaccine side effects are mild and last for 1-3 days.

Severe side effects are rare. Get medical attention right away if you develop any of these symptoms after getting a vaccine:

  • Chest pain/feelings of pressure or tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations/irregular heart beat

Safety

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) are aware of the recent announcement made by the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the possible new COVID-19 vaccine safety signal between the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine and strokes in people aged 65 and over.

Currently, in Canada, available data shows that there are no safety concerns related to stroke and mRNA bivalent vaccines. There have been no changes to the vaccine recommendations at this time by the CDC or Health Canada. Health Canada and PHAC continue to monitor the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada, and will take appropriate action as needed.

More Information

 

The Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine (also known as Novavax) is approved for people who are unable (due to allergy) or unwilling to get a mRNA vaccine:

  • as primary series for everyone aged 12 and over
  • as a booster dose for people aged 18 and over

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) for all eligible age groups because they are safer and more effective.

Novavax is a ‘protein subunit’ vaccine that targets the (original monovalent) COVID-19 strain. It uses small pieces of a protein that look like the spikes on the COVID-19 virus. These proteins teach our immune system to make antibodies that recognize and fight COVID-19.

  • Two doses are required in a primary series. It takes two weeks after vaccination for protection.
  • Novavax can be used to complete a primary series, even if the previous vaccine was a different type (e.g. one dose of another COVID-19 vaccine and one dose of Novavax).
  • Novavax may be offered to anyone aged 12 and over (as part of the primary series) or as a booster to anyone aged 18 and over without contraindications and who are not able or willing to receive a mRNA COVID-19.
  • A booster dose is recommended for everyone who is eligible. Health Canada has approved a booster dose of Novavax, six months after the second dose of the primary series for adults (aged 18 and over). Currently, Novavax does not have a bivalent vaccine.

Some people may have mild to moderate side effects from this vaccine that may last one to three days. Common side effects include redness, pain or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, muscle aches, joint pain, nausea and/or vomiting. Contact your health provider if side effects do not go away after 3 days.

Myocarditis and pericarditis are types of inflammation in different parts of the heart that can occur after getting COVID-19 and be serious. This has rarely occurred after getting Novavax and is being closely monitored. Get medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, or racing heartbeat after vaccination.

People with a serious allergy to another COVID-19 vaccine or polyethylene glycol (PEG) can consider getting Novavax.

The Novavax vaccine is available at all City-run clinics through appointment only.

Book your appointment

The AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are ‘viral vector’ vaccines. They use a modified cold virus (adenovirus) to give our cells instructions to make antibodies. The cold virus in the vaccine is inactive and will not give you a cold.

The viral vector vaccines approved in Canada are:

  • The AstraZeneca vaccine (also known as Vaxzeria or previously known as COVISHIELD) was authorized for use by Health Canada on February 26, 2021, for adults aged 18 and over. It is currently not available in Canada.
  • The Janssen vaccine (also known as Johnson & Johnson) was authorized for use by Health Canada on March 5, 2021 for adults aged 18 and over.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) for all eligible age groups because they are safer and more effective.

For adults (18+) unable (due to allergy) or unwilling to get a mRNA vaccine, Novavax Nuvaxovid (a protein subunit vaccine) is another option instead of a mRNA vaccine. The Novavax vaccine can be used even if someone got a viral vector vaccine for their first dose.

Anyone who wants to get a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen) should consult a health care provider to help make an informed decision about:

  • Individual risks and very rare reactions found to occur with viral vector vaccines, including:
    • Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT)
    • Capillary leak syndrome (CLS)
    • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
    • Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
    • Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
  • The risk and symptoms of VITT. Should symptoms develop in the first month following vaccination, seek immediate medical care. Symptoms may include:
    • severe and persistent headache; seizures; blurred or double vision; shortness of breath; severe chest, back or abdominal pain; limb swelling, pallor or coldness; unusual bleeding, bruising, pinpoint round spots under the skin beyond the site of vaccination
  • Benefits of vaccination to lower the risk of severe COVID-19 infections (such as getting very sick, being hospitalized and possibly death)
  • Any previous or severe allergic reaction to the mRNA vaccine
  • Any contraindications or concerns in accessing a mRNA vaccine

AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD COVID-19 vaccine

Effective May 11, 2021, the Government of Ontario paused the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine until further notice.

Already received a first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD

If you already got a first dose of the AstraZeneca or COVISHIELD vaccine, it is important to remember that serious side effects are rare. After 28 days of getting the vaccine, the risk of severe side effects has passed. You can finish your vaccine series with a mRNA vaccine. Learn more about how to book your second dose.

Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine

  • The Janssen single dose vaccine has been approved for people 18 years of age and older who are not able or willing to receive either a mRNA or Novavax vaccine. Informed consent is required. It is not authorized for people younger than 18 years old.
  • A single dose of the Janssen vaccine is required to complete a primary series.
  • If Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was received for a primary series, it is recommended to receive a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose if there is no contraindication.
  • A booster dose of the Janssen may be given at least 6 months after a COVID-19 vaccine dose or a COVID-19 infection.
  • If you have moderate to severe problems with your immune system, it is recommended that you get a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Already received a complete series of a Viral Vector Vaccine

  • People who received a complete vaccine series of a viral vector vaccine (e.g. two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Johnson & Johnson), it is recommended to get a booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
  • This should be given 6 months after the completion of the primary series

More information

Health Canada approved the Medicago vaccine (also known as Covifenz) on February 24, 2022, for adults 18 to 64 years of age.

The Medicago vaccine is a plant-based vaccine. It uses virus-like particles (VLP) that look like the COVID-19 virus and teach our immune system to make antibodies that recognize and fight COVID-19.

This vaccine is currently not available in Canada.

An AEFI is any time you feel unwell more than what you were told to expect after receiving a vaccine. If you think you are experiencing an AEFI, contact your health care provider and let them know you feel unwell and recently received a vaccine.

AEFIs are reported by your health care provider to Toronto Public Health (TPH), who helps your provider investigate if your illness was caused by the vaccination. TPH reports AEFIs to the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario, and the Public Health Agency of Canada to make sure that vaccines are as safe as possible, even after they are approved. Companies that produce vaccines do not help with investigations of AEFIs, but they are aware of reports for the safety of their products.

More information: Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP).

The vaccine contains an active ingredient that gives our body instructions to make antibodies. Other vaccine ingredients include lipids (fats), salts, sugars and buffers.

COVID-19 vaccines do not contain eggs, gelatin (pork), gluten, latex, preservatives, antibiotics or aluminum.

People with severe allergies to any of the vaccine ingredients should speak with their physician/allergist about getting the vaccine. Some people with allergies to an ingredient can still be safely vaccinated.

If you get a serious reaction after your first dose, talk to your health care provider about future vaccinations. Sometimes you can still be safely vaccinated, or can received a different vaccine.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is in the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, including the bivalent boosters. PEG can also be found in laxatives, makeup, skin care products, personal lubricants, toothpastes, and some contact lenses. It is also in cough syrup, over-the-counter medications, and in some food and drinks.

Tromethamine is in the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccine, including bivalent boosters. It helps to make the vaccine stable. Tromethamine can be found in dyes used for CT or MRI scans, medications, cosmetics, perfumes and skin creams.

Polysorbate-80 is in the Novavax (NUVAXOVID), Medicago Covifenz, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines. It is used to hold (or bind) the vaccine ingredients together. Polysorbate-80 can be found in most processed food, sauces, condiments, soups, ice cream, chewing gum, soaps, creams, bath gels, shampoo, body butter, cosmetics, vitamins, heart medication and contraceptives (birth control).

Vaccine Ingredients

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (including pediatric and bivalent)

  • active ingredient: mRNA
  • lipids, cholesterol, polyethylene glycol [PEG]
  • buffers: tromethamin, tromethamin hydrochloride
  • salts: sodium chloride
  • sugars: sucrose

Moderna Spikevax vaccine (including pediatric and bivalent)

  • active ingredient: mRNA
  • lipids, cholesterol, polyethylene glycol [PEG]
  • buffers: tromethamin, tromethamin hydrochloride
  • salts: acetic acid, sodium acetate
  • sugars: sucrose

AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine

  • active ingredient: adenovirus vector (ChAdOx1-S recombinant)
  • amino acid: L-Histidine, L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate
  • emulsifier: polysorbate 80
  • salts: sodium chloride, disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA), magnesium chloride hexahydrate
  • sugars: sucrose
  • alcohol: ethanol

Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine

  • active ingredient: adenovirus vector (Ad26.COV2.S recombinant)
  • buffers/ acidity regulators: citric acid monohydrate, hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, trisodium citrate dihydrate
  • alcohol: ethanol
  • emulsifier: 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, polysorbate-80
  • salts: sodium chloride

Novavax (NUVAXOVID) vaccine

  • active ingredient: recombinant spike protein with Matrix-M adjuvant
  • non-medical ingredients: disodium hydrogen phosphate heptahydrate, hydrochloric acid (for adjustment of pH), polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, sodium hydroxide (for adjustment of pH), water for injection
  • for adjuvant: cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, potassium chloride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride

Medicago Covifenz vaccine

  • active ingredient: virus-like particles (VLP) with AS03 adjuvant
  • non-medical ingredients: polysorbate 80, potassium phosphate monobasic anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, water for injection
  • for adjuvant: squalene, vitamin E, polysorbate 80, phosphate buffered saline

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization  (NACI) strongly recommend staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines when planning a pregnancy, while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Getting COVID-19 while you are pregnant puts you at higher risk of getting very sick and being hospitalized. Preventing COVID-19 is even more important when you are pregnant – follow public health measures to lower your risk.

Vaccine Safety

  • Hundreds of thousands of people who are pregnant have been safely vaccinated
  • Several studies with large numbers of pregnant people have shown that vaccination before and/or at any time during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe for you and your baby
  • There is no scientific evidence that the vaccine affects fertility (ability to get pregnant) including no effect on egg or sperm
  • Data shows that vaccination does not increase the risk of:
    • miscarriage, premature birth, or high blood pressure
    • birth defects or stillbirth
  • There have been no safety concerns shown in people who received a vaccine and are breastfeeding or any impacts of vaccinations on the baby/child being breastfed
  • The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor people who are pregnant and have been vaccinated to make sure the vaccines are as safe as possible

Benefits of Vaccination

  • Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a bivalent booster dose, can protect you from getting very sick or being hospitalized due to COVID-19, and will provide stronger and longer protection for your baby
  • Getting your COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy may have the following benefits to your baby:
    • Lowers risk of preterm birth and having a low birth weight
    • Lowers risk of ending up in the NICU
    • Lowers risk of stillbirth
    • You will make antibodies from the vaccine, which will pass to your growing baby, which can help provide immunity in your baby’s first 6 months of life when they are most vulnerable, until they become eligible for the vaccine
  • It is strongly recommended that all people who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding get a fall/winter COVID-19 booster dose if they haven’t already
  • The bivalent booster provides stronger protection against COVID-19 variants

Vaccinations while Breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding has many benefits for you and your baby, including protecting your baby against infections and many illnesses
  • Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and recommended while breastfeeding
  • There is no need to avoid starting breastfeeding or to stop breastfeeding to receive the vaccine
  • It does not disrupt your breastfeeding or have any negative effects on your baby
  • Some studies have shown that antibodies were found in the breast milk of people who received the COVID-19 vaccine, which may protect their baby (under 6 months old) against a COVID-19 infection

When is the best time to get the vaccine if planning a pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as you are eligible
  • It is strongly recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine (including a bivalent booster dose) before, during or after pregnancy, including while breastfeeding
  • COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time, before or after other vaccines recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended even if you already had a COVID-19 infection

  • Even if you had a COVID-19 infection, it’s recommended to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines, including any bivalent booster dose(s)
  • Get your next COVID-19 vaccine dose at least 3 to 6 months after having a COVID-19 infection
  • Being up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines after an infection gives you the benefit of hybrid immunity
  • Hybrid immunity will give you better and longer protection than from an infection alone

Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about getting vaccinated and to understand the benefits of getting the vaccine compared to the risks of getting the COVID-19 infection. For most people, getting a COVID-19 vaccine is the safest choice.

See COVID-19: Where to Get Vaccinated to find a vaccine clinic near you.

For more information:

There is no evidence the vaccines impact fertility, menstrual irregularities, puberty, or normal growth and development.

The main ingredient in the vaccine is mRNA and that lasts in your body for a few days before it is removed from the body. The body develops an immune response in the first few weeks after vaccination. Some may have a temporary change in their menstrual cycle because of this immune response. A menstrual cycle can also temporarily change from everyday life including stress, changes in weight and exercise. The World Health Organization recommends not delaying vaccination if menstruating.

A COVID-19 infection can also affect menstruation. For example, in one study, one out of five patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection had temporary changes in the length of their cycle and the amount of bleeding.

References: (BMJ). (Li et al., 2021)

People with stable health conditions can get vaccinated. Conditions include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory diseases, including asthma or COPD, hepatitis B, C and HIV.

People with a weak immune system because of illness, treatment or an autoimmune condition:

  • can get the vaccine safely;
  • should speak to a health care provider before getting vaccinated; and
  • may have lower protection from the vaccine.

See our COVID-19: Vaccine Resources page