Vaccination Roll-Out Plans
Please visit your province's official website for more information about vaccination phases, immunization schedules and eligibility criteria.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
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How to prepare for a vaccination appointment
1. Make an appointment with one of our health professionals who offers this service.
2. If possible, fill out the questionnaire and consent form at home before your appointment.
3. Have your vaccination record on hand.
4. Please arrive only a few minutes before your appointment, since a limited number of people can be in the pharmacy.
5. Do you need to refill medications? If so, please call the day before your appointment. This will give us the time to prepare your prescriptions.
6. Don’t forget to put on your face covering before entering the pharmacy.
7. If you do not feel well, please call the pharmacist to see if you need to reschedule your appointment.
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Which vaccines are currently approved in Canada and can I choose which one I receive?
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- AstraZeneca/Covishield COVID-19 vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson
Depending on which province you reside, you may have the option to choose which vaccine to receive. Please note that all vaccines are effective at reducing serious complications of COVID-19.
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What is the interval between doses and how soon am I protected?
The recommended interval between doses may vary depending on the vaccine received and the number of doses to be received. Check your provincial guidelines for the recommended interval between doses.
The time required to be adequately protected may vary depending on your health status and your ability to produce antibodies. For example, people who are immunosuppressed may need more time to develop an adequate immune response. Also, after the primary series of vaccines, antibody levels may decrease over time and may require additional doses. Consult your provincial guidelines for more information.
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I just received the vaccine at an authorized clinic. What should I do?
- Wait for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine to be sure that you are feeling well and do not experience any immediate reaction.
- Inform the healthcare provider if you feel unwell while waiting. While waiting, continue to follow health and safety norms by wearing a mask and keeping a distance of at least 2 meters from anybody not belonging to your household.
- Use alcohol-based sanitization to clean your hands before leaving the immunization center.
- Do not operate a vehicle or other form of transportation for at least 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine or if feeling unwell.
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What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination?
The COVID-19 vaccine can have side effects similar to vaccines that are currently on the market, however, the vast majority are mild, very short term and non serious. The most common side effects include:
- Pain, soreness or redness at injection site
- Fever or chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Body aches or joint pains
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
These symptoms should not last more than a few days. If symptoms persist or worsen over time, you should call your healthcare professional.
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Can I stop wearing a mask and taking safety precautions after getting vaccinated?
NO. Those who get the COVID-19 vaccine are still strongly recommended to follow the government's recommended safety measures. The vaccine does not stop the virus from entering your body, it prevents you from developing moderate to severe symptoms. It is not yet clear whether those vaccinated can still carry and transmit the virus to others, even when they themselves don’t get sick.