COVID-19 Vaccines
Latest COVID-19 vaccine updates
- The Ontario Ministry of Health recommends that individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 receive an additional dose of an XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring (April-June 2024).
- Residents six months and older can receive the XBB COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies and select health care providers. See where to get vaccinated.
- Limited Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointments are available ONLY for children 6 months-4 years and individuals 12 years and older requesting Novavax XBB COVID-19 vaccine. See where to get vaccinated.
- If you are not at increased risk, it is not recommended that you receive a dose this spring. Please wait for further Ministry recommendations closer to Fall 2024.
Vaccine eligibility and doses
Not previously vaccinated | ||||
Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth. Individuals six-months and older who have never received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, may receive an XBB vaccine to initiate the series.
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Previously vaccinated | ||||
The Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending that the following individuals receive an additional dose this spring:
Eligible individuals may receive and additional dose this spring if it has been six months from the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). A COVID-19 infection is defined as a COVID-19 case confirmed by a molecular (e.g. PCR) or rapid antigen test, or an individual who is symptomatic AND is a household contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case. All other individuals should wait for further Ministry of Health recommendations. This includes individuals who are not at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who did not receive an XBB COVID-19 vaccine dose in the fall, unless recommended by a health care provider. All other individuals are not currently recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose in Spring 2024 and should wait until further MOH recommendations. This includes individuals who are not at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who did not receive an XBB COVID19 vaccine in Fall 2023, unless they are specifically recommended to receive a dose by their health care provider. Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth. |
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Previously vaccinated individuals who are immunocompromised | ||||
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Re-vaccination | ||||
Special populations According to the Ministry of Health, it is recommended that individuals meeting the following criteria be re-vaccinated with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series after transplantation:
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Where to get vaccinated
Individuals six months and older can receive the XBB COVID-19 vaccine at participating pharmacies and select health care providers. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Check with the pharmacy, your health care provider or local walk-in clinic before you go.
Limited Health Department COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointments are available ONLY for children six-months to four-years old and individuals 12 years and older requesting Novavax XBB COVID-19 vaccine. Book a vaccine appointment online. By appointment only. No walk-ins.
Request an interpreter for clients who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing |
Clients who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing and would like to request an interpreter for an appointment at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic can call 1-888-444-5113 (using Bell Relay as needed) to book an appointment and request the presence of an interpreter at their appointment. |
Homebound immunization for eligible clients |
If you or someone you know meets the above criteria, please email HomeboundCOVIDVaccine@durham.ca. Limited appointments are available.
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Proof of vaccination and receipts
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for businesses.
- Businesses can voluntarily implement a proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement upon entry to their facility.
COVID-19 vaccine receipts | ||
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Reporting vaccines received outside of Ontario or Canada | ||
Out of province entries requires a careful manual review, verification and data input by staff. Submissions with incomplete or unclear information, including errors may take additional time to process as they require additional follow-up with client or the organization where the vaccines were administered.
Examples of proof include:
Some individuals vaccinated in Ontario received vaccine from what is referred to as non-Ontario stock. This refers to vaccine that was not allocated to Ontario or recorded in the provincial vaccine management system. Generally, these doses were delivered at institutions such as correctional facilities, military groups or embassies. Individuals who received doses of vaccine from the non-Ontario stock may also report out non-Ontario stock vaccinations to Durham Region Health Department using our online form. |
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Requesting a name change on QR codes | ||
Name changes on your vaccine certificate |
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines
Children six-months to under five-years old | ||||||||||||||
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Children five to 11-years old | ||||||||||||||
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General COVID-19 vaccine information | ||||||||||||||
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Medical and safety information | ||||||||||
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Vaccine approval and clinical trial (testing) information |
How was Health Canada able to approve the COVID-19 vaccine so quickly? Creating a new vaccine can take years. The COVID-19 vaccine happened so quickly for many reasons including:
Health Canada developed a fast-track review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine manufacturers were able to submit research and new evidence for review by Health Canada as it becomes available and throughout clinic trials. Previously, all clinical trials had to be completed prior to applying for Health Canada approval. Health Canada has implemented greater scientific resources, so reviews are completed in a timely manner without compromising any standards for vaccine use in Canada.
Check out this video for more information about how the COVID-19 vaccine was developed. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine and the approval process, visit Health Canada's website. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Resources in other languages
COVID-19 communication resources | ontario.ca
Resources for Indigenous Peoples
The facts about COVID-19 vaccines
EnglishCree Inuktitut Objibwe Eastern
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