COVID-19 Vaccination
Individuals 6 months of age or older who are living, working or going to school in Ontario are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, even if they do not have OHIP coverage. Vaccine appointments are available through community immunization clinics, some hospital immunization clinics & some pharmacies. Some locations allow walk-ins.
PEDIATRIC
Children 6 months of age to 4 years old are eligible to receive the Moderna vaccine (25 mcg) or Pfizer vaccine (3 mcg):
For Moderna: 2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 4 weeks (28 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent. For moderately to severely immunocompromised children, a 3rd dose is recommended 8 weeks after the 2nd dose.
For Pfizer: 3 doses are given, with the interval between doses being at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart
Children 5-11 years old are eligible to receive the pediatric version of the Pfizer vaccine (10 mcg):
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent.
A 3rd dose (booster) is given 6 months (168 days) after the 2nd dose. For moderately - severely immunocompromised individuals aged 5-11, the 3rd dose (booster) can be given earlier, at least 8 weeks (56 days) after the 2nd dose.
Individuals 12 - 17 years old are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 mcg). For the booster dose, they are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 mcg) or Pfizer bivalent vaccine (30 mcg)*:
*The Pfizer vaccine targets the original COVID-19 virus, while the Pfizer bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant BA4/BA5
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent.
The 3rd dose (booster) can be given 6 months (168 days) after the 2nd dose. However the 3rd dose can be given as early as 3 months (84 days) after the 2nd dose with informed consent (ie. First nations/Inuit/Metis or non-Indigenous household member, health care worker, essential caregiver/staff in congregate settings). For those who are moderately - severely immunocompromised, the 3rd dose can be given as early as 2 months (56 days) after the 2nd dose.
A 4th dose (2nd booster) is given only to immunocompromised individuals between 12-17 years old, at least 6 months (168 days) after the 3rd dose. A letter from the specialist or hospital program must be presented to qualify.
ADULT
PRIMARY SERIES:
Individuals 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer (30 ug) or Moderna (100 ug)** COVID-19 vaccine:
**Pfizer is recommended for individuals 18-29 years old, but Moderna can be given with informed consent.
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be booked as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose for Pfizer or 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose for Moderna with informed consent.
BOOSTER DOSES:
Individuals 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 ug) or 1/2 dose of the Moderna vaccine (50 ug) or Pfizer bivalent (30 ug) or Moderna bivalent (50 ug) vaccine***
***The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines target the original COVID-19 virus. The Pfizer bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variants BA4/BA5. The Moderna bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant BA1.
The 3rd dose (booster) can be given 3 months (84 days) after the 2nd dose. However the recommended interval is 6 months in order to elicit a stronger and longer lasting antibody response.
The 4th dose (2nd booster) can be given 3 months (84 days) after the 3rd dose. However the recommended interval is 6 months in order to elicit a stronger and longer lasting antibody response.
Immunocompromised individuals 18 years of age and older: The third and fourth dose can be given earlier (2 months/56 days after the 2nd dose, 3 months/84 days after the 3rd dose) if you belong to the following:
(You must show a letter/form from your specialist or hospital program to qualify).
Individuals 18 years of age and older taking immunosuppressive medications: The third and fourth dose can be given earlier (2 months/56 days after the 2nd dose, 3 months/84 days after the 3rd dose) if you take one of the following medications:
(You must show a current prescription or prescription bottle with your name to qualify)
Vaccine appointments can be booked online by clicking on the links below or by phone. Walk-ins are also accepted at some locations.
PEDIATRIC
Children 6 months of age to 4 years old are eligible to receive the Moderna vaccine (25 mcg) or Pfizer vaccine (3 mcg):
For Moderna: 2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 4 weeks (28 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent. For moderately to severely immunocompromised children, a 3rd dose is recommended 8 weeks after the 2nd dose.
For Pfizer: 3 doses are given, with the interval between doses being at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart
Children 5-11 years old are eligible to receive the pediatric version of the Pfizer vaccine (10 mcg):
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent.
A 3rd dose (booster) is given 6 months (168 days) after the 2nd dose. For moderately - severely immunocompromised individuals aged 5-11, the 3rd dose (booster) can be given earlier, at least 8 weeks (56 days) after the 2nd dose.
Individuals 12 - 17 years old are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 mcg). For the booster dose, they are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 mcg) or Pfizer bivalent vaccine (30 mcg)*:
*The Pfizer vaccine targets the original COVID-19 virus, while the Pfizer bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant BA4/BA5
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be given as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose with informed consent.
The 3rd dose (booster) can be given 6 months (168 days) after the 2nd dose. However the 3rd dose can be given as early as 3 months (84 days) after the 2nd dose with informed consent (ie. First nations/Inuit/Metis or non-Indigenous household member, health care worker, essential caregiver/staff in congregate settings). For those who are moderately - severely immunocompromised, the 3rd dose can be given as early as 2 months (56 days) after the 2nd dose.
A 4th dose (2nd booster) is given only to immunocompromised individuals between 12-17 years old, at least 6 months (168 days) after the 3rd dose. A letter from the specialist or hospital program must be presented to qualify.
ADULT
PRIMARY SERIES:
Individuals 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer (30 ug) or Moderna (100 ug)** COVID-19 vaccine:
**Pfizer is recommended for individuals 18-29 years old, but Moderna can be given with informed consent.
2 doses are given at least 8 weeks (56 days) apart. However the 2nd dose can be booked as early as 3 weeks (21 days) after the 1st dose for Pfizer or 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose for Moderna with informed consent.
BOOSTER DOSES:
Individuals 18 years and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine (30 ug) or 1/2 dose of the Moderna vaccine (50 ug) or Pfizer bivalent (30 ug) or Moderna bivalent (50 ug) vaccine***
***The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines target the original COVID-19 virus. The Pfizer bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variants BA4/BA5. The Moderna bivalent vaccine targets both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant BA1.
The 3rd dose (booster) can be given 3 months (84 days) after the 2nd dose. However the recommended interval is 6 months in order to elicit a stronger and longer lasting antibody response.
The 4th dose (2nd booster) can be given 3 months (84 days) after the 3rd dose. However the recommended interval is 6 months in order to elicit a stronger and longer lasting antibody response.
Immunocompromised individuals 18 years of age and older: The third and fourth dose can be given earlier (2 months/56 days after the 2nd dose, 3 months/84 days after the 3rd dose) if you belong to the following:
(You must show a letter/form from your specialist or hospital program to qualify).
- Cancer patients on active treatment
- Dialysis patients
- Solid organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy
- (CAR)-T cell therapy recipients or stem cell transplant recipients within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppressive therapy
- Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (ie. DiGeorge Syndrome, Wiskott- Aldrich Syndrome)
- Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection or AIDS
Individuals 18 years of age and older taking immunosuppressive medications: The third and fourth dose can be given earlier (2 months/56 days after the 2nd dose, 3 months/84 days after the 3rd dose) if you take one of the following medications:
(You must show a current prescription or prescription bottle with your name to qualify)
- Higher dose steroids for at least 2 weeks (ie. prednisone 20 mg or higher, dexamethasone 3 mg or higher, methylprednisolone 16 mg or higher)
- Antimetabolites (cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, methotrexate, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil)
- Calcineurin inhibitors/mTor Kinase inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus)
- JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, tofacitinib, upadacitinib)
- Anti-TNF (adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, inflixamab)
- Anti-inflammatory (sulfasalazine, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)/mesalamine
- Anti-CD20 (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab)
- IL-1 RA (anakinra, canakinumab)
- Anti-IL6 (tocilizumab, sarilumab)
- Anti-IL12/IL13 (ustekinumab)
- Anti-IL17 (secukinumab, ixekizumab)
- Anti-IL17R (brodalumab)
- Anti-BLyS (belimumab)
- Anti-IL23 (guselkumab, risankizumab)
- Selective T cell costimulation blocker (fingolimod, siponimod, ozanimod)
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitor (apremilast)
- Anti-integrin (vedolizumab)
Vaccine appointments can be booked online by clicking on the links below or by phone. Walk-ins are also accepted at some locations.
Should I continue to GET vaccinated (First or second dose) after a COVID-19 infection?
Yes, you should still complete the primary series (first 2 doses) even after a COVID-19 infection. For children (6 months of age and older) and adults, the 1st or 2nd dose can be given 2 months (56 days) after the positive test (if asymptomatic) or from the 1st day of symptoms. For those moderately to severely immunocompromised, the 1st or 2nd dose can be given earlier at 1-2 months. For children who developed MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) after COVID-19 infection, the recommended interval is at least 3 months (90 days) or longer until symptoms recover.
When Should I get a Booster Dose (THIRD or Fourth Dose) after REcovering from COVID-19?
A booster dose (3rd or 4th dose) can be given at least 3 months after testing positive (if asymptomatic) or from the first day of symptoms. For individuals 5 to 17 years old, the interval is at least 6 months. With informed consent however, individuals may choose to receive a booster dose as soon as they have no symptoms and have completed the isolation period. (In all cases, at least 3 months has passed since 2nd dose for individuals 18 years and older, or 6 months from the second dose for individuals 5 to 17 years old). For immunocompromised individuals, different recommendations apply - please speak to your physician.
COVID-19 SELF-isolation
WITH SYMPTOMS:
If you have any severe symptoms (for example, chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, losing consciousness) or if you have a child under 3 months old who has a fever or appears unwell, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If have the following milder symptoms that cannot be explained by another diagnosis (ie. seasonal allergies), then you presumably have COVID-19:
Any one of these symptoms:
Regardless of whether you tested positive or negative for COVID-19, you must self-isolate/stay at home until you no longer have a fever and your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms). You must wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days from the start of symptoms and avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings** such as nursing homes and hospitals.
If you are immunocompromised, was hospitalized or live in a highest risk setting** then you must self-isolate/stay at home for at least 10 days and wear a well-fitted mask during that time.
If you required ICU care then you must self-isolate/stay at home for at least 20 days and wear a well-fitted mask during that time.
NO SYMPTOMS:
If you have NO symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19, you must wear a mask for 10 days and avoid visiting highest risk settings** such as nursing homes.
Please notify any close contacts to monitor for symptoms for 10 days after the last meeting, to wear a mask and to avoid visiting highest risk settings** such nursing homes. A close contact is anyone you were less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or at least 10 minutes if not wearing masks, in the 48 hours before symptoms began or positive COVID-19 test result, whichever came first.
**Highest risk settings include: hospitals and acute health care settings, congregate living settings such as long-term care and retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings and correctional institutions.
Still not sure if you need to get tested or self-isolate? Click on the button below and take this self assessment test:
If you have any severe symptoms (for example, chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, losing consciousness) or if you have a child under 3 months old who has a fever or appears unwell, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If have the following milder symptoms that cannot be explained by another diagnosis (ie. seasonal allergies), then you presumably have COVID-19:
Any one of these symptoms:
- Fever and/or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Runny nose/nasal congestion
- Muscle aches/joint pains
- Extreme tiredness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Digestive symptoms (ie. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite)
Regardless of whether you tested positive or negative for COVID-19, you must self-isolate/stay at home until you no longer have a fever and your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms). You must wear a well-fitted mask for 10 days from the start of symptoms and avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings** such as nursing homes and hospitals.
If you are immunocompromised, was hospitalized or live in a highest risk setting** then you must self-isolate/stay at home for at least 10 days and wear a well-fitted mask during that time.
If you required ICU care then you must self-isolate/stay at home for at least 20 days and wear a well-fitted mask during that time.
NO SYMPTOMS:
If you have NO symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19, you must wear a mask for 10 days and avoid visiting highest risk settings** such as nursing homes.
Please notify any close contacts to monitor for symptoms for 10 days after the last meeting, to wear a mask and to avoid visiting highest risk settings** such nursing homes. A close contact is anyone you were less than two metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or at least 10 minutes if not wearing masks, in the 48 hours before symptoms began or positive COVID-19 test result, whichever came first.
**Highest risk settings include: hospitals and acute health care settings, congregate living settings such as long-term care and retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings and correctional institutions.
Still not sure if you need to get tested or self-isolate? Click on the button below and take this self assessment test:
I Have Symptoms of COVID-19 but i TEsted Negative on A COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test. Do I Still have to FollOw the Self-Monitoring, Masking AnD Self-isolation rules?
Yes, if you test negative, you can still have COVID-19. A rapid test is not as sensitive as a PCR test in detecting COVID-19, particularly the Omicron variant. To improve sensitivity, you should swab each cheek, back of the roof of the mouth and finally both nostrils before testing it.
WHERE CAN I GET A COVID-19 PCR TEST?
COVID-19 PCR testing is now only available to the following groups:
With at least one symptom:
If you meet the above criteria for testing, then you can book an appointment at a testing centre:
With at least one symptom:
- Patients in hospitals and emergency departments, at the discretion of the treating clinician
- Patient-facing health care workers
- Staff, residents, essential care providers, visitors, people on admission/transfer to or from hospitals and congregate living settings, (including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions)
- A household member of workers in the highest risk settings noted above
- Someone who has been exposed, or a close contact of someone exposed, to a confirmed or suspected outbreak in a high risk setting, including a hospital, long-term care, retirement home, other congregate living setting or institution, or other settings as directed by the local public health unit
- Outpatients for whom COVID-19 treatment is being considered
- Underhoused or homeless
- People who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
- Pregnant people
- First responders (ie. police, paramedics, firefighters)
- Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
- Are in a hospital, long-term care, retirement home or other congregate living setting, as directed by public health units, provincial guidance or other directives
- Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
- People on admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
- Someone who has been exposed, or a close contact of someone exposed, to a confirmed or suspected outbreak in a high risk setting, including a hospital, long-term care, retirement home, other congregate living setting or institution, or other settings as directed by the local public health unit
- People who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work
If you meet the above criteria for testing, then you can book an appointment at a testing centre:
After you get tested, you can access your results online by clicking on the button below:
Are tHERE Medications to tReat COVID-19?
Yes, there are medications that may be available to high risk patients within 5-7 days of symptom onset. Please speak to your physician to see if it is right for you. If you meet the criteria, your physician will direct you to a Clinical Assessment Centre. Some Clinical Assessment Centres allow you to book an appointment directly without a physician's referral. For a list of locations and their respective booking procedures, please click on the link below:
HELP reduce the spread of COVID-19
Even if you had COVID-19, you are not necessarily immune. You can still get COVID-19 again. You can also get COVID-19 even if you are fully vaccinated, though symptoms will be milder and unlikely to require hospitalization.
To protect yourself and others, please continue to:
To protect yourself and others, please continue to:
- Adhere to physical distancing as much as possible. Keep at least 2 meters or 6 feet apart from those who do not live with you.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor public spaces and in situations where you are unable to physically distance such as private workplaces, public transit, taxis, rideshares. Remember to wear one when reporting to a COVID-19 assessment centre or a hospital or medical clinic.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your cough or sneezes with your elbow, upper sleeve or tissue, not your hand.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Self-isolate if you are required to.
Proper Handwashing Technique
Click below to learn more about proper handwashing technique:
| handwashing.pdf |
SELF ISOLATION - HOW TO DO IT?
Click below to learn more about self isolation with no COVID-19 symptoms:
| how-to-self-isolate-no-symptoms_english.pdf |
| how-to-self-isolate-no-symptoms_simplifiedchinese.pdf |
Click below to learn more about self isolation with COVID-19 symptoms
| how-to-self-isolate-with-symptoms_english.pdf |
| how-to-self-isolate-with-symptoms_simplifiedchinese.pdf |
AnY QUESTIONS? CONTACT
- Telehealth Ontario 1-866-797-0000
- Your family doctor or pediatrician
- Your local public health unit:
Toronto Public Health 416-338-7600
Durham Region Public Health 1-800-841-2729