Clinic Visits

COVID-19 is an infection caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 was recognized for the first time in December 2019 and has since spread around the world to cause a pandemic. COVID-19 is mainly passed from an infected person to others when the infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks or breathes. It is important to note that infected people can spread the infection even if they have no symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, tiredness and loss of smell or taste. Some people infected with the virus have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms that range from mild to severe. 

All vaccines work by presenting our body with something that looks like the infection so that our immune system can learn how to produce natural protection. This natural protection then helps to prevent future illness if you come into contact with the COVID-19 virus in the future. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

All COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada are effective at protecting against symptomatic, lab-confirmed disease. In large studies where people were given both doses of the vaccine, all of the vaccines worked very well to prevent people from becoming sick with symptomatic, lab-confirmed COVID-19. 

Vaccine efficacy 14 days after dose one and before dose two is estimated to be 

• over 90% for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and
• over 70% for AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD.

Vaccine efficacy after dose two at the recommended interval is estimated to be 

• over 90% for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, and 
• over 80% for AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD.

ALL VACCINES ARE ALMOST 100% EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.

It is important that you receive two doses of these vaccines. Long-term protection against COVID-19 is not achieved until after the second dose of vaccine is received. All of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada are also highly effective at preventing hospitalization. 

A complete vaccine series is  offered to individuals without contraindications to the vaccine and in currently identified priority groups (as outlined in Ontario’s vaccine distribution plan). 

Before receiving the vaccine, inform the health care provider who is providing you with the vaccine if: 

• You are currently feeling unwell or have signs and symptoms of COVID-19. 
• You have had a previous allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or any ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines, or any other vaccine You have any allergies or allergic conditions. 
• You are or could be pregnant or are breastfeeding. 
• You are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment or have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. 
• You have fainted or became dizzy after receiving a past vaccine or medical procedure or you have a fear of needles. The healthcare provider may offer supports to assist you, for example recommending that you receive the vaccine lying down to prevent fainting. 
• You have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that could affect blood clotting. This information will help the healthcare provider prevent bleeding or bruising from the needle. 
• You have received any other vaccine (not COVID-19 vaccine) in the past 14 days. 

If you have questions about whether the vaccine is right for you based on your medical condition, talk to your health care provider.  

Get the first vaccine made available to you – Waiting for your ‘preferred’ vaccine risks potentially getting COVID-19 and associated illness. 

To best protect yourself and others, we agree that the best COVID-19 vaccine is the one that reaches your arm first.  All COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Common side effects include pain, redness, swelling at the site where the needle was given, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and low fever.

Serious side effects are rare. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department if you develop any of the following adverse reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine: 

• hives
• swelling of your face or mouth
• trouble breathing
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• high fever (over 40°C), convulsions or seizures, or 
• other serious symptoms (e.g. “pins and needles” or numbness).

The AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine is associated with a very rare side effect (1 in 250,000) known as Vaccine-Induced Prothrombotic Immune Thrombocytopenia (VIPIT). If you develop any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine please seek immediate medical attention: shortness of breath, pain in the chest, swelling or coldness in an arm or leg, persistent abdominal pain, severe or worsening headaches or blurred vision, or multiple small bruises, red or purple spots or blood blisters under the skin.

It will take some time to vaccinate everyone. Please continue to follow public health guidance of wearing a mask, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places, and washing your hands to protect yourself and your loved ones, especially as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.

Please continue to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested if symptoms present.

If you have any questions, please speak with your health care provider.  

We strive to continue to provide you with the most accurate and up to date information about the vaccines and their availability.