COVID-19: How to Get Vaccinated

As the holiday season kicks off, Team Toronto is putting the focus on direct community access to COVID-19 vaccines as they offer first, second and third doses at mobile clinics in local shopping malls, community centres, schools and places of worship over the next few weeks. Read the news release.

Stay tuned for upcoming clinic details.

General Eligibility & Requirements

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in Ontario.

If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, please get your vaccine at a later date, when you are feeling better.

Learn more about vaccine use by age. Consult with your health care provider before getting vaccinated, if you:

• are on medications that weaken your immune system – you may want to time your vaccination with your medications
• had an allergic reaction within four hours after receiving your first COVID-19 vaccine dose
• have severe allergies to any of the vaccine ingredients

Your health care provider will review the benefits and risks for your unique situation.

Residents born 2016 or earlier, without OHIP cards, may get vaccinated at any city-run clinic, hospital, mobile or pharmacy clinic offering a first, second and, if eligible, third/booster dose.

City Immunization Clinics

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all five city-run clinics by appointment only. Residents without an OHIP card must provide a COVID ID number when making an appointment. To obtain a COVID ID number, please contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Callers will be invited to leave their contact information so a representative can return their call.

Once a COVID ID number is received, appointments can be made through the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

Required Identification

For all clinics, residents must bring an acceptable form of identification with them which may include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card.

Everyone born in 2016 or earlier is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine are needed to be considered fully vaccinated. A third or booster dose may be required for some individuals. The interval between the doses is dependent on the vaccine you receive as well as your health status.

Informed Consent for Children

Children 5 to 17 years of age should talk about the benefits and risks of getting the vaccine with a parent or trusted adult. This means the young person must understand information about the vaccine, why it is being recommended and what will happen if they accept or refuse vaccination. Parents or caregivers of younger children will usually have to provide consent on behalf of the child before or at the time of the appointment.

Search the table below to find out where you can access your vaccine and when you can get your second, third or booster dose:

The Pfizer-BioNTech (including the Pediatric vaccine), Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses.

You are eligible to get your second dose if you are born in 2016 or earlier and you:

• Received your first dose of a Pfizer vaccine at least 21 days ago
• Received your first dose of Moderna vaccine at least 28 days ago
• Received your first dose of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD at least 8 weeks ago

To further improve protection and effectiveness of the vaccine, the National Advisory on Immunization (NACI) and the Ministry of Ontario has recommended 8 weeks as the optimal interval between the first and second dose. Evidence will continue to be monitored and information will be updated as needed.

All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19.

How to Get Your Second Dose

As of November 6, 2021, second doses are available at all five City-run clinics by appointment only. Residents can book their appointment online or call the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900. Pharmacies, some hospital clinics, some select primary clinics, and community immunization clinics also offer second dose vaccinations either by appointment or walk-in may be available.

If You Received an mRNA Vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for Your First Dose

City clinics offer mRNA vaccines and staff will ensure that residents are aware of which vaccine brand they will receive at the time of their appointment. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are incredibly similar with near identical efficacy rates. A “mixed mRNA model” – mixing Pfizer and Moderna for first and second dose – is approved by both the federal and provincial governments. Both vaccines have similar side effects and are safe, effective and interchangeable.

As of September 29, 2021, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommends the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals aged 18-24 years old, based on the current available data from Ontario’s adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance system. Individuals 18-24 years old can still receive the Moderna vaccine with informed consent. Ontario will continue using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for youth ages 12-17 (including those turning 12 in 2021).

As of November 19, 2021, the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada for children aged 5 (or turning 5 in 2021) to 11. See: Second Dose details for this age group

For more information:

• COVID-10 Vaccine Information Sheet: For Children (age 5-11)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet For Youth
• COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations Special Population

If You Received AstraZeneca for Your First Dose

As of June 17, 2021, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine is now preferred as the second dose for people who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

If You Received a First or Second Dose Outside Ontario/Canada

If you live in Toronto and received a first or second dose outside Ontario, find out how to document your vaccine dose(s).

For the general population, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines provides strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. This includes protection against the Delta variant of concern. Research has shown that certain groups may be at higher risk of what is known as “waning immunity” – a decrease in vaccine protection over time.

On November 3, 2021, the Government of Ontario expanded eligibility for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Health Canada also licensed mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) to be provided for booster doses. The following groups are eligible:

• Vulnerable Adults (65+) in Congregate Settings
• Older Adults (70+) in the community
• First Nations, Inuit and Métis Adults
• Health Care Workers and Essential Caregivers who have direct in-person contact with patients
• Anyone who got a complete vaccination series of a viral vector vaccine (e.g., two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of Janssen)

For those eligible, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty or Moderna Spikevax) may be used as a third or booster dose, regardless of which vaccine was used for the first two doses.

• For the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA vaccine, a full dose (30 mcg) is recommended.
• For the Moderna Spikevax mRNA vaccine, a full dose (100 mcg) is recommended for adults living in long-term care homes or other congregate living settings that provide care for seniors 70 years of age and older. A half dose (50 mcg) is recommended for other adults.
• A booster dose is not approved by Health Canada for 12 to 17 year olds.

Some people who have weakened immune systems may have a lower antibody response to the two-dose series due to their underlying condition(s). Getting three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as part of your first COVID-19 vaccine series, is recommended for people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised to help build antibodies and for better long-term protection.

A third dose can be given at a minimum of two months (56 days) after the second dose for:

• Transplant recipients of a solid-organ transplant or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppresion therapy)
• People undergoing active treatment* for solid tumors and hematologic cancers
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell
• People with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• People undergoing active treatment** with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the Immunization of Immunocompromised Persons – Canadian Immunization Guide   for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive (see Table 1 of the COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Third Doses ***)

*Active treatment includes people who have completed treatment within 3 months. Active treatment is defined as chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and excludes people receiving therapy that does not suppress the immune system (e.g. solely hormonal therapy or radiation therapy).**Active treatment for people receiving B-cell depleting therapy including people who have completed treatment within 12 months.***People taking medications listed in Table 1 of the COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Third Doses or those taking other medications identified by their health care providers as significantly immunosuppressive.

How to get Your Third Dose Vaccination

You can make an appointment at a City-run vaccination clinic. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Some hospital vaccination clinics offer third doses by appointment or drop in. Check with the pharmacy or hospital before you go.

Individuals who are moderately to severely immunocompromised will need to:

• Bring a referral form or letter from your physician, or their authorizing organization, confirming that you are eligible for a third dose. The letter must include your full name and address (matching your ID), and your Ontario Health Card Number. Please ensure your form or letter has all the required information, including confirmation that you meet one or more of the criteria listed above.

• If you are currently taking an eligible medication (see Table 1 of the COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Third Doses):
  • It is highly recommended and preferred to bring proof of the prescription (e.g., pharmacy medication record). This is because some medications may be toxic to others and require special handling.
  • If you do not have a pharmacy medication record, call your pharmacy to request one.
  • If you must bring medications to the clinic, place them in a clean, see-through plastic bag and ensure the bag is closed. Medication bottles must include prescription date, your name, and contact info for the pharmacy.

A booster dose is an additional dose of vaccine that helps to increase protection that may have decreased over time. Certain populations are at higher risk for waning immunity after their second dose. These individuals are encouraged to get a booster dose with an authorized mRNA vaccine to help protect themselves and the people around them from severe COVID-19 illness.

Booster doses are not needed for everyone right now. This is because most people in Canada had a longer time period between their first and second dose, and received their second dose less than six months ago. An extended period between the first and second dose has shown to be more effective, with protection lasting longer.

If it has been 6 months since your second dose, and you are eligible, you can get your booster dose at:

• City-run vaccination clinics by booking an appointment
• Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins
• Some hospital vaccination clinics offer appointments or walk-ins
• Select primary care providers

An mRNA booster dose is recommended at least six months (≥168 days) after the second dose for:

Vulnerable Older Adults in Congregate Settings

• Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges, and older adults living in other congregate settings (e.g. assisted-living facilities, chronic care hospitals, naturally occurring congregate retirement settings/congregate senior’s apartment buildings, older adults living in congregate settings for people with developmental disabilities, mental health and addictions issues, etc.)
• Toronto Public Health is actively working with Ontario Health Teams and Toronto facilities to plan and implement this roll-out.

All Residents aged 70 and older (born in 1951 or earlier)

• You can get your booster dose at city-run clinics, pharmacies, select hospital clinics or primary care provider

Health Care Workers

• See Ministry of Health list for HCW and essential caregivers eligible for booster doses.
• You can get your booster dose at city-run clinics, pharmacies, select hospital clinics or primary care provider.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Adults

• First Nations, Inuit and Métis adults, including non-Indigenous household members can get your booster dose at Indigenous-led clinics and mobile teams, city-run clinics, pharmacies, select hospital clinics or primary care provider.

People who received a complete series of a Viral Vector Vaccine

• Based on the research, people who received a complete vaccine series of a viral vector vaccine (e.g. two doses of AstraZeneca or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) have slightly lower vaccine effectiveness.
• A booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who received:

• • Two doses of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine
  • One dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

• You can get your booster dose at city-run clinics, pharmacies, select hospital clinics or primary care provider

At this time, people who received a mixed series are not eligible for a booster dose. Data from two studies shows that people who received a mixed series with one viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD) and one mRNA vaccine have similar protection to those who received a complete series of mRNA vaccines.

Some people have already received three doses of COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. if you have a weakened immune system; got two doses of a vaccine not approved by Health Canada, and then a COVID-19 mRNA dose; or got three doses of a vaccine not approved by Health Canada). At this time, there is no recommendation that people who have already had three doses need a booster dose

More information

• Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations
• Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations

If you received a vaccine that is authorized by Health Canada:

• If you received one dose of a two dose series outside Ontario, you should document this dose and you should get the second dose as soon as you are eligible. Do not wait for your previous dose to be documented before getting your final dose.
• If you have received all recommended doses or a combination of Health Canada authorized vaccines within the minimum recommended interval, after documenting the out of province dose(s) you will be considered to have a complete vaccine series and no additional doses are needed.

Vaccines approved for use in Canada are currently Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), SpikeVax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and the single-dose Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

If you received a vaccine that is not authorized by Health Canada:

• If you have received and documented through the TPH portal one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized for use by Health Canada, you will be considered to have received a full vaccine series by getting one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine. Do not wait for your previous dose(s) to be documented before getting your final dose.
  • The interval between your previous dose and the additional dose should be at least 28 days
  • If you already received three doses of a non-Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine at the minimum intervals, you should not receive any additional doses at this time

If you don’t know what vaccine you received:

• If you received a previous dose and you do not have proof of vaccination, please contact the health care provider who gave you the COVID-19 vaccine(s) to receive a copy of your vaccination record.
• If the COVID-19 vaccine product used for your previous dose(s) remains unknown, or if written proof of vaccination is provided for a vaccine whose generic or trade name is not recognized, a new vaccine series should be started with a Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine.
  • If you know the date of your previous COVID-19 immunization, wait at least 28 days before getting a new Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccine series.

You can use your existing out-of-province vaccination receipts (along with your identification) to access settings where proof of vaccination is required. If you are eligible for an additional dose(s), starting November 6th, you can book an appointment at any City-run immunization clinic to be vaccinated. You do not need to wait until your out-of-province dose(s) is documented by Toronto Public Health.

People eligible for in-home vaccination:

• Must be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
• Live in the City of Toronto and
• Cannot physically leave their home to receive the vaccine for medical, physical, developmental disorder, communication, behavioural or other specialized needs
• An essential caregiver who lives in the home may also be vaccinated.

If you are physically able to leave your home, check information about vaccine eligibility to find out where you can access your vaccine. Transportation support is available if you need help getting to a clinic.

For children ages 5-17, SickKids can help coordinate their COVID-19 vaccination appointment and offer specialized services including drive-through vaccination and the availability of Child Life Specialists and paediatric vaccinators. Visit sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult to make a booking to speak with a Registered Nurse. If you need assistance booking an appointment, please call 437-881-3505 or toll free at 1-888-304-6558

How to register for homebound vaccination:

Please register through the health service that you are currently linked with:

• Primary care provider / physician primary care team: Primary care teams will identify patients, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination. Please connect with your primary care provider to follow up on your vaccination schedule.
• Homecare and Community Service provider: Home care and community service providers will identify patients, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination. Please connect with your homecare or community service provider to follow up on your vaccination schedule.
• Home and Community Care Support Services (HCCSS): HCCSS will identify patients with chronic home care needs, conduct screening and get consent for homebound vaccination and Toronto Paramedic Services will schedule and complete vaccinations.
• If you are not linked with any primary care or home care provider: Call Toronto Seniors Helpline at 416-217-2077. The helpline is available to support homebound individuals determine eligibility for an in-home COVID-19 vaccination. The helpline can also help people who are able to leave their homes with information about transportation options to a City-run immunization clinic.

If you receive care through primary care or homecare and HCCSS, please contact your primary or homecare provider first. If your primary care or homecare service provider cannot provide the vaccine, you will be referred to Toronto Paramedic Services.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Team Toronto partners bring vaccines directly to workplaces, faith groups, organizations and communities that experience barriers to vaccination and low vaccine uptake through the mobile immunization strategy. Many mobile immunization clinics are open to everyone who is currently eligible to get a first or second dose.

Find a mobile clinic near you

Request a Mobile Clinic for Your Community Setting

TPH is now taking requests for mobile vaccination clinics to come to your neighbourhood, workplace or other location to provide COVID-19 vaccinations.

Who can request a clinic:

Mobile clinics are intended to serve a group, and not a single individual or household.  Mobile clinic requests should be made only by individuals who are authorized to make decisions on behalf of the organization, such as:

How to request a mobile clinic:

An authorized individual may complete and submit the online request form. Please ensure that your contact information is entered correctly. Submitting the form serves as confirmation of your willingness to host the mobile clinic.

Request a mobile clinic

Next steps after you submit your request:

TPH staff will call or email you within three business days to confirm the details of your request and any additional information required. If your request is accepted, TPH will work with you to collaboratively plan the clinic. It is expected that you will take a lead role in promoting the clinic as part of the planning process.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at all five City-run clinics by appointment only.

Hours of operation: Tuesday to Friday from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Additional hours:

• Sunday, November 28 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, December 4 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (extended hours)
• Sunday, December 5 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Residents can book their appointment online or call the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). First, second and third doses are available for eligible groups.

A health card is not needed, however individuals must bring some form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card.

Vaccine Clinic Locations

View a map of immunization clinics and filter by City-run clinics, hospital clinics and pharmacies. The map shows location and transit information. For parking and accessibility at City-run clinics see below. Use the TTC Trip Planner to find directions to City-run clinics.

View Vaccine Clinic Map

Accommodations

All City-run clinics are able to offer accommodation. Each clinic has parking near the entrance, ramps, elevators, and wheelchairs. Staff are also on site at each clinic to support as necessary.  Clients who need a care provider or service animal with them will be accommodated. There are also privacy rooms available upon request.

If you require an accommodation, alert a staff member upon arrival or at any time while at the clinic.

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Address: 255 Front St. W., North Building, Hall A (access Hall A via the West Ramp on Front Street at John Street. Look for the directional signage posted around the exterior of the building on Front Street.)

(View map of clinic location within Metro Toronto Convention Centre)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. The accessible entrance is located on Front Street, just west of the Second Cup in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: 1-hour free parking in North Garage

• Those attending the clinic for a vaccination will be provided with one hour of free parking at the MTCC’s North Parking Garage, with the entrance on Simcoe Street.
• Once you have parked, to enter the Immunization Clinic exit the parking garage and walk west along Front Street to access the ramp on the far west side of the building at John Street.
• Once you return to your vehicle after your vaccination, drive out through the designated COVID-19 Immunization Clinic line (look for signage near the exit).
• The parking attendant at that exit will confirm that you attended the clinic and process your ticket for one free hour of parking.

Cloverdale Mall

Address: 250 The East Mall

The clinic is located at the north end of mall (in the previous Target store location). Enter the clinic via the exterior entrance only.

(View map of clinic location within Cloverdale Mall)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: Parking is available at the mall and there is parking available directly in adjacent to the clinic at the north end of the mall complex.

Scarborough Town Centre

Address: 300 Borough Dr.

The clinic is located on the east side of the centre on the upper level, near Entrance 2.

Entry to the clinic is only via the mall exterior.

(View map of clinic location within Scarborough Town Centre)

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Washrooms: There are no washrooms available in the clinic. If needed, please use the washrooms in the mall prior to entering the clinic.

Parking: Parking is available in the parking lots at the Scarborough Town Centre (5 hours maximum). Parking lot 2 and lot 5 are closest to the clinic.

Mitchell Field Community Centre

Address: 89 Church Ave.

The clinic is located on the east side of the building in the gym. Please enter through the Community Centre main entrance.

(View map of clinic location within Mitchell Field Community Centre)

Accessibility/TTC shuttle bus: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: 

• Parking is located on the east side of the Community Centre.
• Parking is limited so please park for only as long as it takes to complete the vaccination process.

Woodbine Mall

Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd.

(View map of clinic location within Woodbine Mall)

The clinic is located inside the Hudson’s Bay store at Woodbine Mall.  One can enter through the entrance on the second level.

Accessibility: This clinic location is accessible. Please bring all required mobility devices with you.

A health card is not needed; a person need only attend the clinic with some form of identification.

Parking: Parking is available at the mall. The parking located outside the Hudson’s Bay store is closest to the clinic.

Some hospital and Ontario Health Team clinics accept appointment bookings using the Provincial booking system. Residents who are eligible can book an appointment online (note browser requirements) or by calling the Provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Book an Appointment

Hospital and Ontario Health Team (OHT) immunization clinics are providing vaccination to individuals in Toronto. For a list of vaccination clinics available for children born between 2010-2016, visit COVID-19 & Children.

Some locations require appointments, others may offer walk-in vaccinations. Not all hospitals are providing vaccination appointments to the public. Check with the hospital before you go. Please review the eligibility criteria and booking details for each clinic:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Vaccine Clinic
• Humber River Hospital Vaccine Clinic
• Michael Garron Hospital – East Toronto Health Partners
• North York General Hospital – North York Toronto Health Partners
• Regent Park Community Health Centre – Downtown East Toronto OHT
• Scarborough Health Network – Scarborough OHT
• Sherbourne Health – Downtown East Toronto OHT
• Sunnybrook Vaccination Clinic (Patients only)
• University Health Network (Patients only)

Vaccine Clinic Locations

View a map of immunization clinics and filter by City-run clinics, hospital clinics and pharmacies. The map shows location and transit options.

View Vaccine Clinic Map

For more information: COVID-19 Children and Vaccines – City of Toronto

Find the pharmacy closest to you that offers COVID-19 vaccines.

Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Please call or visit the pharmacy’s website to review eligibility criteria and check if you need an appointment or if walk-in (first come, first served) vaccinations are available.

You must bring a valid Ontario health (OHIP) card or other form of valid government-issued identification with you to the appointment.

The pharmacy will book your second appointment closer to when the second appointment is due and contact you with the details.

Toronto Public Health is working with healthcare partners and local school boards to offer youth mobile vaccine clinics in neighbourhoods where youth vaccine uptake has been low.

Upcoming youth COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Further details on upcoming youth COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be added once dates and locations are confirmed.

Before you go to the clinic:

• If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, please get your vaccine at a later date, when you are feeling better
• If you have been advised to self-isolate because you were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, please get your vaccine at a later date, when your isolation period is over
• If you received a Canada approved first dose outside of the province, please ensure this is documented through Toronto Public Health’s online portal before getting your second dose.
• Prepare for a short wait that may include time lining up outdoors
• Review information about the clinic you are visiting, including directions, parking and accessibility
• Make sure that you eat before attending the clinic

What to bring:

• Your OHIP card, if you have one
• A health card is not needed, however individuals must bring some form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued ID (including non-Canadian and expired documents) such as a driver’s licence or passport, a piece of mail with your name on it, a pay stub or a student card
• If you are nervous about the vaccination, bring something to help distract you, such as a mobile device, headphones for music, or a book.
• Your mobility device, if you use one
• One support person, if needed
• Face mask or covering
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
• Water

What to expect when you are getting your vaccine:

• You must wear a face mask or covering at the immunization clinic
• Clinic staff will answer any questions you may have and get your consent for the vaccination
• Let the staff know if you’ve fainted in the past or are anxious about getting vaccinated
• Let the clinic staff know immediately if you feel unwell at any point
• You must stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine to monitor for any reactions
• After 15 minutes, you will get a receipt confirming that you received the vaccine
• The entire process will take about 30 minutes

Tips for a comfortable experience:

Needle fear is common in people of all ages, and some people may experience pain or discomfort when getting their vaccine because of the needle. Consider using the comfort, ask, relax, distract system to feel more comfortable when getting your vaccine:

• Comfort: Find ways to be comfortable, such as wearing a short sleeve top and relaxing your arm
• Ask: Ask questions so you can feel prepared
• Relax: Find ways to keep yourself calm, such as taking deep breaths
• Distract: Distract yourself by talking to someone or listening to music

After you receive your vaccine:

• Continue to wear a mask, keep your distance, wash your hands often and stay home when you are sick
• Let your health care provider know that you were vaccinated
• If you have a reaction to the vaccine, call your health care provider or Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600
• Keep the receipt provided by clinic staff for your records.

The City of Toronto will not tolerate abusive or aggressive behaviour at its immunization clinics. The City is committed to promoting respectful conduct, tolerance and inclusion in all of its workplaces.

Staff are working diligently to help bring an end to this pandemic by administering vaccines that will protect residents, their loved ones and the most vulnerable people in our city.

Anyone who engages in abusive or aggressive behaviour will be asked to leave the clinic.

The Vaccine Equity Transportation Plan offers transportation services to people who may be unable to access or afford existing transportation options to get to their vaccination clinic.

Transportation through the City’s community ride partners is available to seniors, people with disabilities and others who have underlying conditions that put them at greater risk from COVID-19 and/or render them unable to safely access other modes of transportation.

This program is intended for those who have no other options for transportation to vaccination clinics.

Residents are encouraged to help their family members, friends and neighbours with arranging for their vaccination and providing a ride to their local clinic.

Book a Ride to and from Your Vaccination

1. Book your vaccination appointment at a clinic location.
2. Contact the transportation program in your area to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment. Appointments for rides should be booked no later than 48 hours before your vaccination time. Availability is limited and rides are not guaranteed.

• If you live in central Toronto or Etobicoke, visit Toronto Ride or call 416-481-5250.Toronto Ride boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • highway 401 to the north
  • the Lake to the south
  • Etobicoke Creek / Highway 427 to the west
  • Victoria Park to the east.
  • areas within Etobicoke that are outside the above listed boundaries
• If you live in north Toronto, visit iRide or call 1-844-474-3301. iRide boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • Steeles Ave to the north
  • John St. to the north
  • St. Clair Ave West to the south
  • Dufferin St./Allen to the west
  • Don Valley Parkway to the east.
• If you live in Scarborough, visit Scarborough Ride or call 416 736-9372. Scarborough Ride boundaries for vaccine clinics are:
  • Steeles to the north
  • the Lake to the south
  • Victoria Park to the west
  • Pickering/Scarborough Border to the east.

A support person or family member can accompany you on the ride, if needed.

Note that transportation vehicles are not accessible and clients should be able to step into the vehicles (with assistance). There will be approximately one hour between drop off at the vaccination clinic and pick up after the appointment.

Transportation is delivered through a collaborative network of City and Ministry of Health funded community not-for-profit agencies that provide rides to vaccination clinics such as City-run immunization clinics, hospitals or pharmacies.

OSDP and Ontario Works

People who receive social assistance may be eligible for medical transportation funds to help cover costs of travel to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Social assistance recipients should contact their caseworker to access transportation funds they may be eligible for.

Uber Canada and TTC Support

Uber Canada has made a generous donation of voucher codes for individual rides.

Earlier this year, these vouchers were distributed to a network of partner community organizations to provide to people who have no transportation options, live in communities with high rates of COVID-19, who have challenges travelling to be vaccinated, as well as for some people with disabilities. Uber Canada vouchers are limited and are not guaranteed.

In partnership with the TTC, the City distributed 15,000 TTC ride vouchers through a network of partner community agencies across Toronto to provide to people who cannot afford transit fare, with no-cost rides to and from vaccination sites.

Wheel-Trans Rides to City Immunization Clinics

Existing Wheel-Trans customers can book rides to and from their vaccine appointments by calling Wheel-Trans Reservations at 416-393-4222, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or online at the Wheel-Trans Self-Booking.

Customers who qualify for Wheel-Trans service, and would like to arrange a trip to and from their vaccination, can apply by calling Wheel-Trans Customer Service at 416-393-4111, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wheel-trans will be reaching out to its approximately 26,000 customers regarding this initiative via email blast, a bulletin on its booking website and a recorded message on its Customer Service line.