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.
  • The COVID-19 vaccination records you submit must be in English or French, or you must have a certified translation into English or French.
  • If your document is handwritten, we may request additional proof of vaccination. To avoid further delay, please contact the clinic or health authority who provided your vaccination and request additional proof of vaccination, if available (for example, a SMART Health Card QR code, an electronic document from the clinic, or an enhanced certificate from the region where your record is from).
  • If you are visiting Ontario and need a QR code: please note the Verify Ontario App (external link) used by businesses and organizations to scan a visitor’s QR code, can scan "SMART Health Card" QR codes issued outside of Ontario. For a full list of jurisdictions that the Verify Ontario App can scan, please visit the Verify Ontario list (external link). If your jurisdiction is on the list, contact the clinic or health authority who provided your vaccination and request the SMART Health Card QR code. There is no need to submit your vaccination records to Halton Region.
• Please allow Halton Region Public Health four to six weeks to process your request. 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.

You may require additional vaccine doses. Visit our COVID-19 vaccination clinic page for more information on how to report an out-of-province vaccination and how to get additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Your vaccination status may affect whether you need to self-isolate. To find out if you need to self-isolate, visit ontario.ca/exposed (external link) and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment (external link).

It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. That means it is possible a person could still get COVID-19 in the two weeks after vaccination because the vaccine did not have enough time to build protection.

While the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at delivering immunity, no vaccine is 100% effective. As with any vaccine, there will be a small number of people who are vaccinated that will still get infected with COVID-19 if they’re exposed to the virus. This is referred to as a ‘breakthrough infection’. Breakthrough infections are rare and symptoms are usually mild. Most fully vaccinated people recover quickly and are infectious for a shorter period of time than those who are unvaccinated.

While the risk of breakthrough infections is low, it is important to continue to follow public health measures (external link) even if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Health care workers and other staff must still wear personal protective equipment (PPE) even after they have been vaccinated.

Watch this video for more information on breakthrough infections (YouTube video).

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. The new antibodies will help provide protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infection. 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 use 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 help provide protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 infection.

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).

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.

For information on what vaccines are available in Halton community COVID-19 vaccination clinics, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics webpage.

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.

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain fetal tissue. Cells grown in a lab from cells of two aborted fetuses collected in the 1970s and 1980s were used in the research and development of mRNA vaccines and during production of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (external link) has said it is acceptable to receive the COVID-19 vaccines.

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.

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 experienced a severe immediate allergic reaction after a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may receive future doses of the same or another mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after consulting with an allergist/immunologist or another appropriate physician. See NACI’s recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for more information (external PDF).

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 health professionals. After your vaccination, you will be asked to stay seated for 5-15 minutes (longer 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.

For individuals 12 years of age and older, COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time or any time before or after another vaccine (for example, the annual flu vaccine, or other regularly scheduled vaccines).

The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) has recommended that COVID-19 vaccines may be given with other vaccines (external link):

• at the same time;
• anytime before or after;
• if they are live or non-live vaccines; or
• if they are adjuvanted or unadjuvanted vaccines.

It is recommended that children 5-11 years of age wait at least 14 days before and after they receive the COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine.

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)

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.

No. Third doses are not currently required for vaccine certificates in Ontario.

Visit Halton’s who is currently eligible page to get a full list of eligible individuals.

A complete series of the COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization or death due to COVID-19. However, data is beginning to show that vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic infection and mild COVID-19 may decrease over time. A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may provide longer-lasting immunity.

There is currently a temporary pause on general visitors (external link) to a Long-Term Care setting.

Once this pause is lifted, the Province will require (external link) that all staff, students, volunteer, caregivers and support workers to provide proof of third dose to enter the home.

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 to be vaccinated 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 help ensure workers and customers/patrons stay 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). Businesses and organizations with 100 or more workers physically present at the workplace are now required to establish, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 workplace vaccination policy. For more information, see the September 7 media release.

When the employer determines that it is reasonable and necessary, workplace policies can require workers to provide proof of vaccination to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Other workplaces may encourage but not require vaccination. An employer may set 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).

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

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.

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.

Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has issued Recommendations for Establishing a COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy (PDF file) to recommend that all employers address the need for a workplace vaccination policy. A workplace vaccination policy is an important measure employers can implement to protect their workers and the public.

For those employers with fewer than 100 workers, Dr. Meghani recommends but not does not require a COVID-19 workplace vaccination policy. Each employer should, however, assess the risks of COVID-19 transmission for their workplace and decide whether a vaccination policy is reasonably necessary.

For those employers with 100 or more workers physically present in the workplace (including those working in the community), a COVID-19 workplace vaccination policy is mandatory. This is required by Dr. Meghani’s Workplace Letter of Instructions (LOI) (PDF file) issued following consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Employers may also be subject to other requirements regarding workplace vaccination policies for workers and/or patrons that are sector-specific. For example:

• Effective December 20th, the province requires anyone 12 years of age and older participating in organized sports at recreational facilities to be fully vaccinated. Read the Province’s December 10th news release for more information (external link).
• Dr. Meghani issued a Letter of Instructions to businesses and organizations with indoor facilities used for organized sports and recreational fitness activities (the Sports and Recreation LOI (PDF file)).
• The province requires all staff, support workers, students and volunteers in long-term care homes (external link) to be fully vaccinated subject only to a valid medical exemption.
• Step 3 of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen (O. Reg. 364/20) (external link) includes proof of vaccination requirements for patrons for some sectors and makes them optional for others.

It is important to understand that neither Dr. Meghani’s recommendations nor the workplace LOI directs the actual contents of an employer’s vaccination policy, since the activities and needs of workplaces may differ. For example, some employers may determine that it is reasonably necessary to have a vaccination policy that requires some or all workers to provide proof they are fully vaccinated unless entitled to a medical exemption. Other employers might determine that their vaccination policy need not require proof of vaccination from any worker. What is important is that each employer turn their minds to this important issue, assess their workplace and determine what is reasonably necessary.

Employers must also take into account any legally binding requirements for proof of vaccination that may apply to their activities; for example, the sports and recreation LOI, provincial requirements for long-term care homes, etc.

The contents of an employer’s workplace vaccination policy may be informed by a number of other factors. These include, for example, the number of workers, the type of workplace and the risks it presents for transmitting COVID-19, the work of the workers (since transmission risk may differ with the jobs performed by different workers and with the protective equipment used to perform those jobs), whether the workplace has experienced outbreaks to date, and consideration of the duty to accommodate those who are not fully vaccinated (if applicable). Dr. Meghani’s recommendations identify some important factors you should consider when developing a workplace vaccination policy, but there may well be others specific to your workplace.

NOTE: This information does not contain legal advice and should not be relied on or treated as legal advice. Those to whom the recommendations and letters of instructions are addressed should seek their own legal advice to address their specific workplace circumstances.

This requirement, established by the Workplace Letter of Instructions (LOI) (PDF file) issued by Dr. Hamidah Meghan, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health following consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, applies to any employer having 100 or more workers working in-person in Halton region. These workers need not all be working at the same location or at the same time, although workers who work only from home can be excluded.

Halton region has experienced many workplace outbreaks over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and these continue to occur. Our experience includes situations in which COVID-19 transmission has occurred even in settings where the same workers are not working every shift together. In general, the greater the number of workers in your workplace, the greater the chances of an outbreak that will be difficult to control, especially given the presence in Halton (as across Ontario) of COVID-19 variants of concern that are highly transmissible (including but not limited to the Delta variant).

Again, it is important to understand that neither Dr. Meghani’s recommendations nor her workplace LOI directs the actual contents of an employer’s vaccination policy since the activities and needs of workplaces may differ. For example, some employers may determine that it is reasonably necessary to have a vaccination policy that requires some or all workers to provide proof they are fully vaccinated unless entitled to a medical exemption. Other employers might determine that their vaccination policy need not require proof of vaccination from any worker. What is important is that each employer turn their minds to this important issue, assess their workplace and determine what is reasonably necessary.

Employers must also take into account any legally binding requirements for proof of vaccination that may apply to their activities; for example, Dr. Meghani’s Sports and Recreation LOI (PDF file) provincial requirements for long-term care homes, etc.

For more frequently asked questions, read the Ministry of Health Questions and Answers (external PDF) and Using your Enhanced Vaccine Certificate Frequently Asked Questions (external link).

Enhanced vaccine certificates with unique QR codes are available from the provincial portal (external link).

Vaccine certificates can be downloaded from the provincial portal (external link). Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them. Learn more about how to download your enhanced vaccine certificate (PDF file).

If you do not have access to a computer or printer, you can:

• Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
• Ask a trusted friend or organization to help you print a copy.
• Contact your local public library. Many Halton public library branches (external link) are able to help people print their vaccination certificate for free.

If you received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario, you need to submit your proof of vaccination for it to be added to the provincial portal.

After you are vaccinated, you can log in to the provincial portal to download or print COVID-19 vaccine certificate for each dose you have received.

To log in to the provincial portal (external link) and get your receipt, you will need:

• a green photo health (OHIP) card (you will need numbers from both the front and back of the card, expired cards will be accepted)
• your date of birth
• your postal code (the one associated with your health card)

If you have a red and white health card, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. The call centre agent can email you a copy of your vaccine certificate.

If you do not have a health card, please call 311 or email accesshalton@halton.ca.

Proof of vaccination status is required to access certain settings. Patrons must also provide identification with a name and date of birth that matches the vaccine certificate.

To learn how this affects businesses and organizations, read the Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Ontario Act (external PDF).

To learn how proof of vaccination affects patrons and customers, read the Using your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions resource provided by the Province (external link).

Effective December 20th, the province requires anyone 12 years of age and older participating in organized sports at recreational facilities to be fully vaccinated. Read the Province’s December 10th news release for more information (external link).

Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health has issued a letter of instruction which requires persons responsible for indoor areas of facilities used for organized sports and recreational fitness activities (PDF file) to implement vaccination policies requiring all individuals 12 years of age or older to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate (in various ways) in organized sports and recreational fitness activities in these settings.

Patrons seeking access to certain businesses and organizations must show proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can enter the area, with limited exceptions.

Read the Province’s list of Frequently Asked Questions (external link) for a full list of settings and exemptions. Beginning December 14, 2021, the Province now requires all visitors to Long-Term Care homes to be fully vaccinated (external link).

Effective December 20th, the province requires anyone 12 years of age and older participating in organized sports at recreational facilities to be fully vaccinated. Read the Province’s December 10th news release for more information (external link).

Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health issued a letter of instruction which requires persons responsible for indoor areas of facilities used for organized sports and recreational fitness activities (PDF file) to implement vaccination policies requiring all individuals 12 years of age or older to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate (in various ways) in organized sports and recreational fitness activities in these settings.

Your vaccine certificate must be for your second dose only, and the date of administration must have been at least 14 days prior.

Examples of identification documents that can be used to confirm vaccine status include a birth certificate, a citizenship card, a driver’s license, a government issued identification card, including a health card, an Indian Status Card or Indigenous Membership Card, a passport or a permanent resident card. A photo is not required.

Youth who do not yet have a driver’s license can use any of the above options or their health card (even without a photo), or high school ID card.

The full list of businesses required to request proof of vaccination can be found in the Province’s Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations (external PDF).

Businesses may establish their own additional policies or requirements pertaining to their patrons. Businesses or organizations considering creating their own additional policies or requirements may wish to consult a lawyer.

Effective December 20th, the province requires anyone 12 years of age and older participating in organized sports at recreational facilities to be fully vaccinated. Read the Province’s December 10th news release for more information (external link).

Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health issued a letter of instruction which requires persons responsible for indoor areas of facilities used for organized sports and recreational fitness activities (PDF file) to implement vaccination policies requiring all individuals 12 years of age or older to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate (in various ways) in organized sports and recreational fitness activities in these settings.

In general, there are few situations where someone meets the criteria for a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination.  Most people can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines.

For a complete list conditions and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) that may qualify for a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination, refer to the Ministry of Health guidance on Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination (external PDF).

If you have an active medical exemption, please have your physician or nurse practitioner complete a COVID-19 Statement of Medical Exemption Form and submit this directly to the public health unit where the issuer’s practice is located. Exemption forms must be requested, completed and submitted by the issuing practitioner. If your practitioner is based in Halton, Halton Region Public Health will inform your physician or nurse practitioner once your medical exemption has been loaded into the Proof of COVID-19 vaccination portal (external link). You will then be able to download an enhanced vaccination certificate (external link) with a QR code for use in settings requiring vaccine certificates to enter or participate. Due to increased demands on public health staff, we are not able to provide estimates for how long this process will take.

For more information on medical exemptions and Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, visit Ministry of Health’s Proof of COVID-19 vaccination; medical exemptions (external link).

Applicable businesses and organizations are responsible for ensuring they meet the requirements regarding proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as outlined in the regulation. They are being asked to match the name and date of birth listed on the patron’s vaccination receipt with their proof of identification prior to permitting entry to their facility.

For more information about how proof of vaccination in Ontario will be enforced, please read the Province’s Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations (external PDF).

If the information on your vaccine certificate is incorrect, please call 311 or email accesshalton@halton.ca.

Please note: The name on your vaccine certificate should match the name on your Ontario health card. Your vaccine certificate 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.

All visitors 12 years of age and older must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated in order to enter businesses or organizations where proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. Effective January 4, 2022, businesses must scan enhanced vaccine certificate QR codes using the verify Ontario app (external link).

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).

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) have been reported following vaccination with mRNA vaccines, 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; and
• with the Moderna vaccine compared to the Pfizer vaccine.

Those who have myocarditis or pericarditis following vaccination tend to recover quickly.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Province has issued a recommendation of the use of the Pfizer vaccine (external link) for individuals 18-29 years of age. Should individuals 18 to 29 years of age wish to receive Moderna, they may continue to do so with informed consent. The province will continue using the Pfizer vaccine for youth 12-17 years of age.

When to seek help after being vaccinated

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

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• feelings of a fast beating, fluttering or pounding heart

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.
• Children who have a history of myocarditis unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination should consult their clinical care team for individual considerations and recommendations. If they are no longer under active care for myocarditis, they may receive the vaccine.
• 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)
• What you need to know about Myocarditis and Pericarditis (PDF file)
• 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 with their other vaccines as soon as possible.

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.