COVID Vaccination

Updated October 30th, 2024

 

Get Vaccinated!

Review your current eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to everyone six months and older this fall. The updated vaccine (KP.2 formulation) will provide the best protection against the variants of COVID-19 currently circulating.

Starting in early October, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Initial vaccine doses will be prioritized for high-risk and priority populations outlined here.

Starting October 28, 2024, all individuals six months of age and older are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

You may get a COVID-19 vaccination at a participating pharmacy, a participating health care provider or a walk-in medical clinic.

 

  • Fourth dose is recommended. The recommended interval for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine is at least five months (140 days) after receiving a booster dose and the minimum interval is three months (84 days).

  • A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is available for moderately to severely-immunocompromised individuals, as identified by the Ministry of Health, at an interval of two months (56 days), with a minimum interval of 28 days, after the last dose of the initial primary series. Anyone five years of age and older identified as immunocompromised by the Ministry of Health is eligible for this third dose.

    A fourth dose for immunocompromised individuals 18 years of age and older at least three months (84 days) after receipt of the third dose is recommended. Immunocompromised individuals aged 12 to 17 can get a booster dose (fourth dose) at least six months (168 days) after receipt of the third dose

    Booster doses (i.e., fourth dose) are not currently recommended for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals under the age of 12

    To receive a third dose or fourth dose booster, eligible residents must present a completed form or letter indicating their eligibility from their specialist or hospital program. Prescriptions for immunosuppressant medications as identified by the Ministry of Health can also be presented for third or fourth dose booster as needed.

  • Children ages 5-11 will receive a pediatric dose. Individuals age 12+ will receive a regular dose. For second dose, it is recommended to wait at least 8 weeks after a first dose. With informed consent, some people may choose to get their second dose earlier than 8 weeks for essential reasons (e.g. certain immunocompromised groups, unexpected travel for compassionate reasons). Appointments for a second dose may be booked at least 21 days after a first dose of paediatric or adolescent/adult Pfizer and 28 days after a first dose of Moderna.

  • 18 years of age and older

    Available at least three months (84 days) after receipt of the second dose; individuals must be 18 years old at time of receiving booster dose

    This includes anyone that has received a complete series of viral vector vaccine (e.g., two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of Janssen vaccine), anyone that has received two or three doses of a vaccine not approved by Health Canada, or a combination of any of these vaccines and an approved mRNA vaccine.

    12 to 17 years of age

    As of Friday, February 18, 2022, youth 12 to 17 can receive their booster dose approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose. This interval may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. With informed consent, individuals 12-17 years of age may receive a booster dose at a minimum of 3 months (84 days) after a second dose. Individuals must be 12 years old at the time of receiving the booster dose.

    This includes anyone that has received a complete series of viral vector vaccine (e.g., two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of Janssen vaccine), anyone that has received two or three doses of a vaccine not approved by Health Canada, or a combination of any of these vaccines and an approved mRNA vaccine.

    Third Dose - Immunocompromised or High-Risk Individuals

    A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine is available for moderately to severely-immunocompromised individuals, as identified by the Ministry of Health, at an interval of two months (56 days), with a minimum interval of 28 days, after the last dose of the initial primary series. Anyone five years of age and older identified as immunocompromised by the Ministry of Health is eligible for this third dose.

    This third dose is considered part of the primary series for immunocompromised individuals.

  • As of September 12, 2022, Ontario announced the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is now available for the most vulnerable populations. Though it is specifically directed at BA. 1, this bivalent vaccine will provide you with significantly enhances immunity against all Omricon variants.

    While the provincial recommendations recommend a six-month interval between the bivalent dose and a previous vaccine dose, minimum eligibility begins at three months.

    The following individuals are now eligible to book and receive the bivalent booster dose:

    • Everyone 70 years of age or older

    • Residents of LTC, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services

    • Health care workers 18 years of age or older

    • Pregnant individuals 18 years of age and older

    • Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals 12 years of age and older (note: for those aged 12 to 17, the bivalent vaccine will be offered off-label given its authorization for those 18 and older)

    • First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals 18 years age and older and household members 18 years of age and older

 

COVID Vaccine FAQs

Can I get my COVID-19 Vaccine at Markham Medical Centre?

Unfortunately we are not offering regular COVID-19 vaccination at our clinic at this time. Many local pharmacies and public health units are offering vaccination clinics. See below for your local public health unit webpage where you can find the vaccine clinic details:

Which Vaccine Should I Get?

ALL Covid-19 vaccines available in Canada are safe are effective. The BEST vaccine to get is the first one that you are offered.

For more details about each vaccine approved in Canada please visit please visit the Government of Canada webpage: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines.html

Should I get the COVID Vaccine?

Yes! There are very few potential contraindications to COVID vaccine. Below are some special considerations:

What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not contraindications for the COVID vaccine and should be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your family physician.

What if I’m on blood thinners? This question shows up on the COVID vaccine consent, however there is no problem receiving the COVID vaccine on blood thinners.

What if I have allergies? Allergies to medications or other vaccines is not a contraindication to receiving the COVID vaccine. If you had a reaction with your first dose or have a severe allergy to PEG or polysorbate, please speak to your family physician. PEG and polysorbate are used in skin care products, medications, and processed foods, so most people with this severe allergy are aware.

What if I am immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition? You should still get the COVID vaccine, but it may be less effective as your medical condition may make you less likely to mount a strong immune response. You may want to speak to your family physician and/or specialist regarding the timing of your vaccine.

More Information on COVID-19 Vaccination