COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

The vaccine clinic, pharmacy or primary care office where you received your vaccine may have provided you with proof of immunization that lists the type of vaccine you received. This could be one or more of the following types (varies depending on the location):

• paper immunization record
• prescription receipt from a pharmacy
• email from covaxon@ontario.ca (link to download your receipt will be valid for five (5) days)
• printed patient record

If you have a green health card, you can also check the provincial portal to determine which vaccine type you received (external link) and download a copy of your vaccination receipt.

Note: There can be a delay in downloading your vaccination receipt through the provincial portal (external link). The portal will indicate your place in ‘line’.

If you have a red and white health card, or you require assistance with the provincial portal call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.

If you do not have one of the above records, do not have a green health card and you consented to have your information entered into the electronic data base (COVax), Halton Region staff can verify the vaccine type you received. Call 311 only if you do not have access to one of the above records.

It is common and normal to have temporary, mild side effects such as a headache, tiredness or muscle aches, after getting vaccinated for COVID-19. These usually last from a few hours to a few days after vaccination.

This is the body's natural response, as it works hard to build immunity against the disease.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms in the 48 hours after vaccination, use the table below to determine if you should self-isolate (external PDF).

As the body works to build immunity, it is common to have temporary side effects after receiving many vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. After any second dose, regardless of the vaccine (AstraZeneca, Moderna, or Pfizer), you may feel more, the same, or fewer side effects than after your first dose.

In clinical trials, mild to moderate side effects (such as fever, chills, tiredness and headache) were more common after receiving the second dose of an mRNA vaccine.

If you have a side effect after receiving the vaccine, contact your health care provider who will report the side effect directly to public health. Public health will keep track of the reported side effects to make sure the vaccine continues to be safe.

According to the Ministry of Health:

• If you received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario you need to submit proof of immunization to your local health unit.
• Halton Region Public Health will contact you after a minimum of  ten (10) business days to let you know if you require more doses. Please wait to attend a vaccination clinic until you have received confirmation from Halton Region Public Health that your proof of immunization has been entered into the Provincial COVID-19 immunization database.
  • If you received one dose of a Health Canada authorized COVID-19 (external link) vaccine outside of Ontario, you can receive your second dose in Ontario. Second dose schedules will follow the intervals recommended by Ontario.
  • If you received one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not approved for use by Health Canada, you can receive one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine approved for use by Health Canada (external link).
• If you are unable to provide proof of immunization, you need to restart your vaccine series.
• According to the Ministry of Health, there is no evidence of harm when restarting a vaccine series. Individuals must receive the COVID-19 vaccine 28 days or more after receiving the previous type of COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit our COVID-19 vaccination clinic page for more information on how to report an out-of-province vaccination.

The province has begun offering third doses to some individuals who are at the highest risk from COVID-19. Learn more about who is currently eligible and how to get a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine (external link).
Other individuals who are considered fully vaccinated are not eligible for additional doses at this time.

A person is considered to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when it has been at least 14 days since they received their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine series and they had:

1. A full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or any combination of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by Health Canada (external link);
2. One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not approved for use by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine approved for use by Health Canada; or
3. Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not approved by use by Health Canada.

Halton Region Public Health cannot provide additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine for travel purposes. The decisions about vaccine restrictions, requirements and guidance for travel (external link) are directed by the Federal Government.

Until most eligible people in our community are fully vaccinated, we will need to continue to practice protective measures to so that everyone is safe from COVID-19. Protective measures include:

• washing your hands
• physical distancing
• covering your mouth when you cough
• wearing a mask
• self-isolating if you are sick
• following any additional public health guidance.

While two doses of a COVID-19 vaccines will prevent most people from becoming sick with from the COVID-19 virus, it is possible to spread the virus even if you are fully vaccinated.

By getting vaccinated, you benefit from the protection you get against COVID-19 and the easing of restrictive measures in your community. The Public Health Agency of Canada has provided guidance for people who are partially or fully vaccinated. In Halton, you are still required to wear masks in many public settings. Until the pandemic is declared over, continue to follow public health measures to help stop the spread of the virus.

For more information on protecting yourself and others public health guidance, visit halton.ca/COVID19.

If you had a high-risk exposure (“close contact”) to someone with COVID-19 while they were infectious, you should self-isolate immediately and get tested.

People who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and have no symptoms, may not need to isolate. For further guidance, review the High Risk Exposure Letter (PDF file) or refer to the COVID-19 Core information webpage (Testing and Results, Have been exposed to COVID-19) to determine actions to take.

To help protect our communities and stop the spread of COVID-19, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises that individuals and families only travel out of the province if it is essential.

Travel restrictions and requirements may vary depending on the country, province or territory you are travelling to (external link). Different countries may require vaccination by specific types of COVID-19 vaccines, or may accept a combination of COVID-19 vaccines. Carefully review the travel requirements of your final destination before travelling.

Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more information on the requirements for re-entering Canada (external link). Local Public Health Units, including Halton Region Public Health, do not have the authority to grant exemptions to the Government of Canada Quarantine Act (external link).

To protect against the COVID-19 virus, the World Health Organization urges all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible (external link) with whatever COVID-19 vaccine is available to them.

Beginning July 5th, travellers who received a full series of a vaccine authorized in Canada (or combination of accepted vaccines) at least 14 days ago (external link) may no longer be subject to the Federal requirement to quarantine upon entry to Canada. Fully vaccinated travellers must still complete pre-entry and on-arrival testing.

Self-isolation requirements are different for children under 12. Please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19: For unvaccinated children under 12 without symptoms and travelling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians webpage (external link). Children returning from international travel cannot attend school, camp, child care or attend large crowded settings, such as a sporting event, for the next 14 days, even if their parents are fully vaccinated.

Prior to travel, ensure that all federal, provincial or territorial requirements (external link) are met. Local Public Health Units, including Halton Region Public Health, do not have the authority to grant exemptions to the Government of Canada Quarantine Act (external link).

For more information on the easing of border measures for travellers entering Canada, visit the Government of Canada website (external link).

The name on your vaccination receipt will match the name on your Ontario health card or other form of identification that you provided at the time of immunization. Your vaccination receipt cannot be changed to the name on other documents, such as your passport.

Visit the Provincial website for information on how to change your name on health card (external link), if needed.

COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience the illness of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use a method called messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. The mRNA in the vaccine tells the body’s cells to make "spike proteins," similar to what is found on the COVID-19 virus. The immune system responds to the spike proteins by making antibodies. These new antibodies will break down the spike proteins and get rid of them. The new antibodies will protect against COVID-19 infection in the future. The mRNA is broken down by the body shortly after injection and cannot affect the body’s DNA.

The AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines are viral vector vaccines. Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, which store the instructions to build spike proteins in RNA, the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines use DNA. The vaccines uses a harmless virus (called an adenovirus) as a delivery system. This is called a viral vector. Once the vaccine containing the viral vector enters the body, the vector virus produces the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Just like the mRNA vaccines, the immune system responds to the spike proteins by making antibodies. These new antibodies will break down the spike proteins and get rid of them. The new antibodies will protect against COVID-19 infection in the future.

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live vaccines. You cannot get COVID-19 from a vaccine.

While still being studied, the COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved in Canada appear to provide protection (external link) against the variants of concern. The vaccines provide a broad immune response so virus mutations should not make vaccines completely ineffective.

Health Canada continues to monitor the effectiveness of all COVID-19 vaccines. Further research is being done to tailor the vaccines to provide enhanced protection against all variants. Health Canada announced that modified COVID-19 vaccines for variants will be made available quickly to Canadians (external link).

All COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are effective at preventing serious COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. Based on study data available (click on each percentage to access studies), the following table presents the estimated effectiveness between the first and second vaccine doses:

CI = confidence interval; *from day 22 up to day 90 after dose 1; **estimate of vaccine efficacy for dose interval of more than 12 weeks

Current data does not suggest that mixing mRNA vaccines types would result in reduced effectiveness.

Our bodies usually take at least two weeks to develop immunity after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Receiving a second dose months or even years after an initial vaccine can boost antibodies generated through vaccination to a higher level, in fact for many vaccines, a longer interval results in higher antibody levels. Most vaccine manufacturers specify minimum intervals between doses, not maximum intervals.

COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by Health Canada are highly effective at protecting you from getting sick from COVID-19, however, they may not prevent you from becoming infected with COVID-19 or passing it onto others.

More research is being done to learn how effective the vaccines are at preventing asymptomatic (no symptoms) or mild infections even though you have been vaccinated. Until more is known about what protection the COVID-19 vaccines provide, continue to follow public health measures even after you have been vaccinated.

At this time, the Pfizer (external link) and Moderna (external link) are being provided at Halton community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics. Pharmacies and primary care offices may have Pfizer (external link), Moderna (external link) or AstraZeneca vaccine (external link). Please note that vaccine availability is based on federal and provincial allocation. It is not possible to guarantee that you will receive the same vaccine for both doses or that you will receive the same vaccine that you selected at the time of booking.

All COVID-19 vaccines being provided have been approved by Health Canada, and are safe and effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death. It is important that you receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

The Province determines supply prioritization and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The Janssen vaccine is not currently available in Halton. There is currently no information available about when it will be available in Halton Region.

As more vaccine is made available from the Province, Halton Region will continue to work with partners to provide the vaccine to priority populations as quickly as possible.

COVID-19 vaccines will not interfere with tests used to look for infection and will not lead to false positive test results.

No approved COVID-19 vaccines have listed porcine gelatin (a substance derived from pork products commonly used to stabilize vaccines) as a non-medical ingredient.

Many faith-based communities recommend or permit COVID-19 vaccination. Among these are The Canadian Muslim Covid-19 Task Force (CMTF) (external link), The Orthodox Union and Rabbinical Council of America (external PDF), and The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories (external PDF).

Taking the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal choice. If you are concerned about your faith based or cultural group’s guidance on vaccination, consult relevant leadership within your community or seek additional information before choosing to be vaccinated.

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently approved by Health Canada use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines “teach” the immune system to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as pain at the injection site, fatigue and/or headaches.

It can take the body a few weeks to build immunity after receiving a vaccine. It is possible that someone could become infected with the COVID-19 virus before or just after getting the vaccine and get sick. This can happen because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection to the body.

Vaccines authorized by Health Canada for use against COVID-19 are safe and effective.

You should delay getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Have a fever, are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, currently have COVID-19 or have been instructed to self-isolate.
• Have received any vaccine in the past 14 days.

Do not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have an allergy to an ingredient in the vaccine or have had a previous severe reaction to this vaccine.

• Visit Health Canada’s vaccine webpages for a list of vaccine ingredients:
  • Health Canada's webpage for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine ingredients (external link)
  • Health Canada's webpage for Moderna vaccine ingredients (external link)
  • Health Canada's webpage for AstraZeneca vaccine ingredients (external link)
  • Health Canada's webpage for Janssen vaccine ingredients (external link)

It is strongly recommended that you speak with your treating health care provider if you have an autoimmune condition or immunodeficiency condition and are receiving any of the following treatments:

• Have an autoimmune condition or immunodeficiency condition and are receiving any of the following treatments:
  • stem cell therapy
  • CAR-T therapy
  • chemotherapy
  • immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • monoclonal antibodies (e.g., rituximab) and other targeted agents (e.g., CD4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors etc.)

You may choose to consult with your treating health care provider prior to vaccination if you:

• have an autoimmune condition or immunodeficiency condition but are not receiving any of the above treatments.
• have a history of allergic reactions not related to the mRNA vaccine
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Consultation with a health care provider prior to immunization is encouraged as a health care provider may recommend pausing an immunosuppressing therapy prior to immunization, to allow for a potentially greater immune response.

Halton Region Public Health is not able to provide personal medical consultations. Please speak with your health care provider if you have additional questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

For information on groups that are currently eligible for vaccination, please check our Who is currently eligible in Halton webpage.

People with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications—such as food, pet, venom, environmental, or latex allergies— should get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of severe allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.

People who have previously had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive the vaccine. Visit the Health Canada web page to learn who should not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccines are administered by trained Public Health staff. After your vaccination, you will be asked to stay seated for 15 minutes (30 minutes for those with a history of severe allergies) to be sure you are feeling well. You will be asked to let the vaccine clinic staff know immediately if you feel unwell. Immunizing staff are trained to recognize and respond to post-vaccination reactions.

If someone experiences a reaction in the days following vaccination, they should report it to a health care professional, such as a family doctor. The reaction may or may not be caused by the vaccine. Refer to our What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine fact sheet (PDF file) to learn about allergic reactions and when to seek medical care.

Vaccines that have been authorized by Health Canada are safe, reliable and can help protect you, your family and our community from COVID-19. All COVID-19 vaccines were authorized by Health Canada after thorough and independent reviews determined that they meet stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements.

No. You don’t need to restart the vaccine series if you received your first dose more than 16 weeks ago. However, it is recommended that you receive two doses as soon as possible to gain protection from COVID-19 and its variants. While there are recommended minimum timeframes for a second dose, at this time, there is no data about what the maximum interval between doses should be. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (external link) does not recommend restarting a vaccine series if there is an extended time between doses.

Wait at least 14 days after getting a vaccine (that is not a COVID-19 vaccine) before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Wait at least 28 days after each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before receiving another vaccine (that is not a COVID-19 vaccine), unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Ontario Ministry of Health recommend vaccination for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding (external PDF).

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) (external link) supports vaccination at any stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding, if no medical concern exists. This is because a COVID-19 infection at any stage in pregnancy can be severe.

There is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems.

It is important to make an informed decision prior to getting vaccinated for COVID-19.

• Speak with the health care provider most familiar with your medical history (such as your primary care physician, medical specialists, midwife or nurse practitioner) prior to getting vaccinated.
• Watch this video for more information on COVID-19 and pregnancy (Vimeo video showcase link).
• Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding (PDF file).
  This resource is also available in the following languages:
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - Arabic (PDF file)
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - Chinese (PDF file)
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - French (PDF file)
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - Punjabi (PDF file)
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - Spanish (PDF file)
  • Learn about the guidance for getting COVID-19 vaccine if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding - Urdu (PDF file)

On May 11, the Province announced (external link) it would be pausing the rollout and administration of first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and due to the increasing reports of the rare blood clotting condition, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Reported cases of VITT occurred between 4 and 28 days after administration of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine (external link).

Residents who received the first dose of AstraZeneca did the right thing by taking the first vaccine they were offered, protecting themselves and their community.

On June 12, 2021, the Province announced accelerated second doses to those who received AstraZeneca for their first dose.

• Effective June 14, 2021, individuals can receive a second dose of AstraZeneca, eight weeks after their first dose, with informed consent. Individuals should contact the pharmacy or primary care provider where they received their first dose to book an appointment. Data from the UK strongly suggests a much-reduced risk of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) in second doses of AstraZeneca – one in 600,000. Choosing to receive the second dose of AstraZeneca provides strong protection against COVID-19.
• Individuals can receive an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) for their second dose, as early as eight weeks after their first dose. Residents can book a single second dose appointment at a Halton Region vaccination clinic. Appointments will be booked at a minimum of eight weeks after your first dose and availability is contingent on vaccine supply. Appointments can be booked through our online booking system or directly with a participating pharmacy. Individuals who received AstraZeneca for their first dose and choose to receive an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their second dose may experience greater symptoms post-vaccination including pain at the injection site, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain and fatigue.

If you received the AstraZeneca vaccine and have concerns, please speak with your health care provider or refer to Health Canada’s website for more information (external link).

Very rarely, the AstraZeneca vaccine has been linked to a rare form of blood clot after vaccination.

Experts are calling this Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT). These blood clots:

• typically occur 4 to 28 days after vaccination;
• are associated with low platelets (tiny blood cells that help form blood clots to stop bleeding); and
• seem to be rare.

It is thought that the vaccine causes an immune reaction that produces antibodies which activates platelets, cells in the blood that form blood clots.

VITT can usually be treated. Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop the following symptoms four or more days after receiving the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• leg swelling or pain
• persistent abdominal (belly) pain
• skin bruising (other than at site of vaccination)
• red or purple spots or blood blisters under the skin
• sudden onset of severe or persistent worsening headaches
• blurred vision
• double vision
• confusion or seizures
• difficulty speaking or moving part of the body.

Allergic reactions to vaccines are extremely rare.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common ingredient in many products such as:

• prescription medications;
• bowel preparation products for colonoscopy;
• over-the-counter products (for example, laxatives, cough syrups, cosmetics, etc.)
• dermal fillers and skin care products;
• ultrasound gel and contact lens care solution.

PEG also can be found in foods or drinks but is not known to cause allergic reactions from foods or drinks.

If you know you are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG), it is not recommended that you get an mRNA vaccine. Speak to your healthcare provider about getting an alternative vaccine such as AstraZeneca.

Halton residents are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from their vaccination appointments. If you are able, please drive yourself or make arrangements for a ride from a family member or a support person. If you will be travelling to a clinic with someone from outside of your household, please review our COVID-19 Public Health Guidelines: Car Travel for tips on how to travel safely (PDF file).

If transportation is a barrier

Residents who are unable to get to a vaccination clinic may request a no-charge ride through a local taxi service, or may book a ride through the Ontario Community Support Association (external link). Homebound individuals may be able to arrange for a Paramedic to administer their vaccine at their home, through their primary health care provider.

For more information about what transportation options may be available, see our COVID-19 vaccination clinic page.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made at our vaccination clinics. Some clinics may be better equipped for certain accommodations than others. If you will need a disability related accommodation (e.g., American Sign Language interpretation, the use of an assistive device, access to a quiet room) at the clinic, please let Halton Region know as soon as possible after booking your appointment by calling 311 or emailing accesshalton@halton.ca.

Employers have an obligation to maintain a safe work environment for their workers. A workplace vaccine policy is an important measure that can be implemented to ensure your workers and customers/patrons are safe.

The Province has made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in certain high-risk workplaces (external link) (for example, long term care, hospitals).

Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has recommended that all local employers address the need for a workplace vaccination policy to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission (PDF file). Beginning September 10, 2021, businesses and organizations with 100 or more workers physical present at the workplace are required to establish, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 workplace vaccination policy. For more information, see the September 7 media release.

When determined by the employer to be reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workplace policies can require workers to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19.

In some workplaces vaccination may be mandatory, meaning that workers must provide proof of vaccination subject only to the employer’s obligation to provide accommodation under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Other workplaces may encourage but not require vaccination. An employer may establish different rules or requirements for unvaccinated workers (for example, use of additional personal protective equipment, worker relocation and modified work or reassignments etc).

For more information on workplace vaccination policies, visit COVID-19 Resources for Businesses.

Implementing a workplace vaccination policy can help workers to understand the importance of vaccination to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

Workplaces can help encourage vaccination by creating a supportive environment that makes it easier for workers to get vaccinated. Ways to support workers in getting vaccinated include:

• providing vaccine information from credible sources;
• providing translated resources;
• supporting vaccine champions to initiate conversations with their peers;
• providing paid leave to get vaccinated;
• reminding workers that they are legally entitled to up to three paid sick days if they have side effects from the vaccine; and
• providing transportation support to get vaccinated.

Resources to help employers write workplace vaccination policies are available in a number of places, including those described below.

The Province has made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in certain high-risk workplaces (external link) (for example, long term care, hospitals), and directed their minimum contents.

Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has provided recommendations for all local employers to address the need for a workplace vaccination policy (PDF file).

A vaccination policy in the workplace should be in writing and adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (external link), the Ontario Human Rights Code (external link) and privacy laws (external link).

Workplace vaccination policies should explain their purpose, specific actions workers must take (including providing proof of vaccination status or a medical exemption) and timelines.

This FAQ does not contain legal advice and should not be relied on or treated as legal advice. Employers should seek their own legal advice when writing their COVID-19 vaccination policies to address their specific workplace circumstances.

For more information on workplace vaccination policies, visit COVID-19 Resources for Businesses.

The Province has made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory in certain high-risk workplaces (external link) (for example, long term care, hospitals), and directed minimum requirements including the need for workers to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 (subject to specified exemptions).

Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has provided recommendations for all local employers to address the need for a workplace vaccination policy (PDF file).

When determined by the employer to be reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workplace policies can require workers to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19.

Your decision to implement a workplace vaccination policy, and the details of that policy, may be informed by a number of factors such as the type of workplace and the risks it presents for transmitting COVID-19, the work of the workers and consideration of the duty to accommodate (if applicable).

A vaccination policy in the workplace should be in writing and adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (external link), the Ontario Human Rights Code (external link) and privacy laws (external link).

All residents who have been vaccinated in Ontario are able to access proof of their vaccination through the provincial vaccination website (external link).

Your workplace vaccination policy should address this issue.

In some workplaces vaccination may be mandatory, meaning that workers must provide proof of vaccination subject only to the employer’s obligation to provide accommodation under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Other workplaces may encourage but not require vaccination. An employer may establish different rules or requirements for unvaccinated workers, (for example, use of additional personal protective equipment, worker relocation and modified work or reassignments etc.).

Your decision to implement a workplace vaccination policy, and the details of that policy, may be informed by a number of factors such as the type of workplace and the risks it presents for transmitting COVID-19, the work of the workers and consideration of the duty to accommodate (if applicable).

A vaccination policy in the workplace should be in writing and adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (external link), the Ontario Human Rights Code (external link) and privacy laws (external link).

No. Vaccination does not replace the need for strict adherence to established COVID-19 public health measures.

Employers must continue to implement all COVID-19 prevention measures for their sector outlined in provincial guidelines (external link) and Halton Region Public Health guidance including, but not limited to: screening, physical distancing, wearing of masks and eye protection, hand hygiene, infection prevention and control, and a COVID-19 safety plan.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by Health Canada for use in youth 12 years of age and older. All COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada have been evaluated using rigorous standards. Clinical trials have shown that this vaccine is safe and effective in this age group (external link). Ontario has approved the use of Pfizer for anyone born in 2009 or older (external link).

The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine will continue to be monitored by Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Common side effects

As with any vaccine, it is common and normal to have mild side effects which can last from a few hours to a few days. This is the body's natural response, as it works to build immunity against the COVID-19 virus. Side effects tend to be more common following a second dose.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• headache
• feeling tired
• muscle or joint pain
• fever or chills

As with any vaccine, there is a rare chance of a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis (external link).

Rare events

Very rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) following vaccination with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, occurring more often:

• in adolescents and younger adults under 30 years of age
• in males compared to females, usually within a week after vaccination
• after the second dose.

When to seek help after being vaccinated

Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• heart palpitations (pounding or racing heart)
• feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm

What else you need to know

• Those who had myocarditis or pericarditis following vaccination tended to recover quickly.
• It is advised to wait to get a second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if myocarditis or pericarditis occurred following a first dose of the vaccine until further information is available.
• Anyone getting the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine should be advised of the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis and when to seek medical attention.
• COVID-19 vaccines continue to be recommended for youth and adolescents.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and their potential side effects, please refer to:

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet (external PDF)
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information Sheet: For Youth (Age 12-17) (external PDF)
• AT A GLANCE. Myocarditis and Pericarditis Following COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines (external PDF)

Yes. Youth who are not up-to-date on other vaccines can still receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They are encouraged to contact their health care provider to get up-to-date as soon as possible.

The youth is required to wait at least 14 days after getting a vaccine (that is not a COVID-19 vaccine) before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. They are also required to wait at least 28 days after each dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before receiving another vaccine (that is not a COVID-19 vaccine), unless their doctor recommends otherwise.

COVID-19 vaccines do not need to be reported to public health. If you or your child received a COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario, it is already recorded in the province’s COVID-19 immunization data base and you do not need to submit additional proof.

Parents/guardians of children/students living in Halton should report all routine immunizations (e.g. MMR, whooping cough, polio, meningitis) through the online immunization reporting tool (external link). Please do not report COVID vaccines through this online tool.