COVID-19 Vaccines

When you attend a clinic and receive your first dose of vaccine, an appointment for your second vaccine dose will be provided to you before you leave the clinic.

If a second dose appointment is not available at the same clinic, options for your second dose will be discussed and may include:

• An appointment at another community immunization clinic location, or
• A pop-up or mobile clinic, or
• A health care provider’s office, or
• Local pharmacy.

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna)

• Yes, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that if the mRNA vaccine (Pfizer and Moderna) a person received as their first dose is not available, they can safely receive another mRNA vaccine to complete their vaccination.
• Mixing COVID-19 vaccines is safe, effective, and enables Ontarians to benefit from the protection of a booster dose.
• Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
• Both mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) authorized for use in Canada work in the same way.
• With increased cases of the Delta and Omicron variant of concern, it is important that all individuals complete their vaccine series with a second or third dose of the most readily available COVID-19 vaccine for optimal protection.

Review the requirements for COVID-19 vaccine received outside of Ontario.

How can I access the provincial call line for more information?

Provincial call line for questions and general information. 

Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth

Who: 

• Individuals 18 years of age and older.
• Must be 18 years of age at the time of immunization.

Interval criteria: A minimum of 84 days after SECOND dose

How to receive vaccine:

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113.
  
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Proof of eligibility requirement: Verbally attest to being a health care worker or essential caregiver

Who:

• Any regulated health professionals and any staff member, contract worker, student/trainee, registered volunteer, or other designated essential caregiver currently working in-person in a health care organization, including workers that are not providing direct patient care and are frequently in the patient environment (e.g. cleaning staff, research staff, other administrative staff).
• Workers providing health care service or direct patient service in a congregate, residential or community setting outside of a health care organization.
• Must be 16 years of age or older at the time of immunization.
• See a complete list of health care workers eligible for booster doses.

Interval criteria: A minimum of 84 days after SECOND dose

How to receive vaccine:

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Proof of eligibility requirement: Verbally attest to being First Nation, Inuit or Métis or to being a household member of an Indigenous individual

Who:

• First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults, including non-Indigenous household members.
• Must be 16 years of age or older at the time of immunization.

Interval criteria: A minimum of 84 days after SECOND dose

How to receive vaccine:

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth

Who:

• Primary series completed with only viral vector vaccines.
• Individuals who received two doses of AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals who received one dose of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Interval criteria: A minimum of 84 days after SECOND dose

How to receive vaccine:

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes or seniors in other congregate settings

Proof of eligibility requirement: Verbally attest to being a resident of a listed seniors congregate living setting

Who: Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges, and older adults living in other congregate settings (e.g., assisted-living facilities, chronic care hospitals, naturally occurring congregate retirement settings/congregate senior’s apartment buildings, older adults living in congregate settings for people with developmental disabilities, mental health and addictions issues, etc.).

Interval criteria: A minimum of 84 days after SECOND dose

How to receive vaccine:

• The Health Department is working with these facilities to coordinate vaccination of residents at their residence.
• Appointments can also be booked at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113.

There are many ways to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose once you are eligible.

You can receive your third dose via:

• Select health care providers
• Participating pharmacies
• The provincial GO-VAXX COVID-19 clinic program
• Durham Region community immunization clinics

Either Moderna or Pfizer vaccine may be used as a third dose (regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine was used in the primary series). Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants. It is safe and effective to mix COVID-19 vaccines.

• Individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).
• Individuals receiving active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for solid tumour or hematologic malignancies. Active treatment includes patients who have completed treatment within 3 months.
• Recipients of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy.
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
• Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Individuals with stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

First, second and third dose interval: Minimum 56 days (8 weeks) between each dose.

How to receive vaccine: Before vaccination, these individuals should discuss their vaccine plans with their health care providers to check if it will affect their treatment.

Proof of eligibility requirements: Verbally attest to have a listed medical condition  

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Book an appointment through the Lakeridge Health website.
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Who: Individuals receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies* (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the CIG for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.

*Active treatment for patients receiving B-cell depleting therapy includes patients who have completed treatment within 12 months.

See Table 1 of COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations

First, second and third dose interval: Minimum 56 days (8 weeks) between each dose.

How to receive vaccine: Before vaccination, these individuals should discuss their vaccine plans with their health care providers to check if it will affect their treatment.

Proof of eligibility requirements: Verbally attest to receiving listed immunosuppressant medications or therapies  

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Book an appointment through the Lakeridge Health website.
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Who:

Individuals 18 years of age or older (must be 18 years of age or older at time of immunization), and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis).
• Individuals receiving active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for solid tumour or hematologic malignancies. Active treatment includes patients who have completed treatment within 3 months.
• Recipients of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy.
• Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
• Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
• Individuals with stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Fourth dose interval: Minimum 84 days (3 months) following third dose.

How to receive vaccine: Before vaccination, these individuals should discuss their vaccine plans with their health care providers to check if it will affect their treatment.

Proof of eligibility requirements: Verbally attest to have a listed medical condition  

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Book an appointment through the Lakeridge Health website.
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Who: Individuals 18 years of age or older (must be 18 years of age or older at time of immunization) and receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies* (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the CIG for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive.

*Active treatment for patients receiving B-cell depleting therapy includes patients who have completed treatment within 12 months.

See Table 1: List of immunosuppressive medications

Fourth dose interval: Minimum 84 days (3 months) following third dose.

How to receive vaccine: Before vaccination, these individuals should discuss their vaccine plans with their health care providers to check if it will affect their treatment.

Proof of eligibility requirements: Verbally attest to receiving listed immunosuppressant medications or therapies  

• Book an appointment at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113. 
• Book an appointment through the Lakeridge Health website.
• Pharmacies administering COVID-19 vaccine
• Primary care provider

Who: Residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, elder care lodges, and older adults living in other congregate settings (e.g., assisted-living facilities, chronic care hospitals, naturally occurring congregate retirement settings/congregate senior’s apartment buildings, older adults living in congregate settings for people with developmental disabilities, mental health and addictions issues, etc.).

Fourth dose interval: Minimum 84 days (3 months) following third dose.

How to receive vaccine: 

• The Health Department is working with these facilities to coordinate vaccination of residents at their residence.
• Appointments can also be booked at a community immunization clinic by visiting durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or calling the call centre at 1-888-444-5113.

Proof of eligibility requirement: Verbally attest to being a resident of a listed seniors congregate living setting

According to the Ministry of Health, it is recommended that individuals meeting the following criteria be re-vaccinated with a new COVID-19 vaccine primary series after transplantation:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)
• Hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) (autologous or allogeneic)
• Recipients of CAR-T-cell therapy

Re-vaccination is recommended due to the loss of immunity following therapy or transplant. The timing for re-vaccination should be decided on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the medical team.

Children 5 to 11-years old are eligible to receive the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine based on their birth date. Children must be at least 5 years of age at the time of immunization.

Children receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will help everyone get back to enjoyable everyday activities.

Although children and youth are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19, they can still:

• get sick from COVID-19
• be infected and not have any symptoms
• spread COVID-19 to others
• experience longer-term effects if they do get infected
• get a rare but serious complication called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)

Children and youth with certain underlying medical conditions may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines help the body fight off the virus. Like adults, children and youth are well protected against severe illness 14 days after their second dose. Those who have already had COVID-19 may still get vaccinated to protect themselves from getting it again.

• Be honest and direct.
• Share information and answer their questions using age-appropriate language.
• Let them know that getting the vaccine will help them stay healthy and get back to seeing their friends, families and staying in school.

Before the vaccination, let your child know:

• What to expect.
• Why the vaccine is important.
• That the needle might feel like a pinch in the upper arm that only lasts a few seconds.
• That the nurse will help to decrease their fear/pain (e.g.: distraction, deep breathing, relaxing their arm, talking them through the experience etc.)

On the day of the vaccination, have your child:

• Eat something before their appointment.
• Wear a shirt with loose sleeves.
• Wear a mask to access the clinic.
• Follow instructions provided by the public health nurse and your reminder email to access the clinic.

Up to two thirds of children experience some type of fear of needles. Some tips for parents and caregivers to help reduce pain and fear of needles include:

• Preparing your child before the appointment.
• Use of topical anesthetics prior to vaccination (discuss application with your child’s pharmacist or health care provider).
• Your presence as a parent or caregiver to offer support during vaccination.
• Letting your child sit on your lap if possible.
• Distraction such as toy, singing, special object, counting or electronic device.
• Being honest. For example., Instead of saying, "the needle won’t hurt", you could say, "some people feel pressure or a pinch".
• Encouraging your child to relax their arm and be still
• Remaining calm and positive

Some resources that can help with needle fear and pain management are:

• The CARD tool.
• Needles Don’t Have to Hurt.

Please speak to your child’s health care provider if you have questions or concerns about pain management and needle fear.

In addition to Durham Region’s dedicated clinics for children 5 to 11 years old, Grandview Kids is offering a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children 5 to 11 years old with medical complexity, significant behaviour concerns or sensory needs, as well as their siblings in this age group. Your child does not need to be a client of Grandview Kids to access this service.

The child-friendly clinic will provide on-site supports and resources for you and your child. This includes an accessible building with accessible parking, a sensory-safe room to receive the vaccine, small group sizes for waiting and recovery areas, and child-focused activities.

Download the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic poster

To receive more information and to register, visit the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic website.

The vaccine is available at similar locations that currently offer COVID-19 vaccines such as community immunization clinics, select doctors' offices, pharmacies and school-based clinics. Continue to check this website for appointment details.

Grandview Kids is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Durham residents 5 to 17 years of age. These clinics provide a child-friendly environment in an accessible building. Children do not need to be a client of Grandview Kids to access this service.

Download the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic poster

To book an appointment for your child, visit the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic website.

Children 5 to 11 years old getting the vaccine should receive 2 doses. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the second dose should be given at least 8 weeks after the first dose.

Your child will be given a second dose appointment at the completion of their first dose appointment at the recommended interval of 8 weeks (56 days). To reschedule or cancel the second dose, please visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or contact the call centre at 1-888-444-5113.

It is recommended that children 5 to 11 years old receive their second dose at least eight weeks after the first dose. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), evidence suggests that a longer interval:

• Provides a stronger immune response
• May decrease the risk of myocarditis or pericarditis after the second dose

Although the recommended interval between the first and second dose for this age group is eight weeks, children may be able to receive their second dose less than eight weeks after the first dose with informed consent. In these instances, the minimum interval is at least 21 days.

When possible, children shouldn’t receive the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine 14 days before or 14 days after other vaccines.

This is a precaution to monitor any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine or another vaccine. In some cases, your child’s health care provider may recommend a vaccine that’s needed urgently. Talk to your health care provider if this is the case.

Will parents or caregivers need to provide consent for their children aged 5 to 11 to get vaccinated?

In Ontario there is no minimum age to consent to treatment. Rather, Ontario uses a capacity-based consent model. A person is capable of consenting to treatment if they can understand the information that is relevant to making the decision and are able to appreciate the consequences of the decision.

However, the 5 to 11 age group does not have the same capacity to consent for themselves as older individuals and will require parental consent before receiving the vaccine in most cases.

Consent will also be required for the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information. 

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children ages 5-11?

Health Canada has determined that this vaccine is safe and effective at providing a strong immune response against COVID-19.

What are the side effects of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine?

The pediatric Pfizer vaccine, like other vaccines, may cause side effects. Some mild side effects that may occur include pain, swelling and redness where the vaccine was given, tiredness, muscle soreness, or headache. These side effects are normal signs that the body is building protection.

When should I call a health care provider if my child is feeling unwell after their vaccine?

If your child has a high fever (over 40°C or 104°F) or side effects that are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days, contact your child’s health care provider or seek medical attention.

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 if they have serious drowsiness, seizures/convulsions, hives, swelling of the face, throat or mouth, trouble breathing or other serious symptoms.

Seek medical attention if your child develops any of the following symptoms after receiving the vaccine: chest pain, shortness of breath and/or palpitations (pounding or racing heart) or feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm. These may be symptoms of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the sac of the heart), which is very rare and treatable.

The vaccine is safe for children who have food, drug, or environmental allergies. Children with allergies will be monitored for a longer period at the clinic following vaccination.

• The pediatric Pfizer vaccine does not contain eggs, gelatin (pork), gluten, latex, preservatives, antibiotics, adjuvants, or aluminum.
• If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or medical product, speak with their health care provider prior to getting the vaccine.
• Children who are hypersensitive to any substance or ingredient in the formulation should not receive the vaccine.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child’s health care provider.

Community immunization clinics offering the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 are designated specifically for this age group and are by appointment only. They are customized to provide a child-friendly environment. For example, posters and stickers will be present and children will be able to use "pop its" to reduce anxiety during the immunization.

Clinic locations will occur in all eight municipalities. In addition, select clinics will occur at some schools to facilitate access and provide another environment to administer the vaccine to this age group.

All community clinics will be offered primarily after school hours (e.g., evenings and weekends) to support convenient and welcoming options for children and families.

Yes. Vaccine certificates with QR codes will be available for children aged 5 to 11 on the COVID-19 vaccination portal as a record of their vaccination.

However, there are no requirements for children aged 5 to 11 to show proof of vaccination in Ontario. Different jurisdictions may have other requirements.

Yes. Ontario is expected to receive sufficient supply to provide a first dose to every eligible child.

Where can I get more information?

• Talk to your health care provider.
• Sick Kids – book an appointment to speak with a SickKids clinician.
• Scarborough Health Network.
• Vaccine Confidence Line (available at the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre) 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007)
• Max the vax – a web page full of COVID-19 vaccination related resources for kids and caregivers; available in both English and French
• About Kids Health
• Immunize Canada
• Kids Health First
• Canadian Pediatric Society
• Government of Canada - vaccines for children: COVID-19
• Fact Sheet - English | French
• Poster - English | French
• Get information from credible resources

Health Canada has approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 12 years of age and older.

Pfizer is currently the only vaccine that will be offered to youth ages 12-17 at vaccine clinics across Durham Region. It is the same two dose series used for adults. 

Yes, studies on Pfizer vaccine show:

• It is safe and effective for youth.
• Youth develop a strong immune response.
• No serious side effects have been observed within this group.
• It is high quality.

• Youth can spread the virus to others even if they don’t feel sick.
• Vaccination helps protect against COVID-19 which can result in serious illness, hospitalization and in rare instances death.  
• Youth receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will help everyone get back to enjoyable everyday activities.

The vaccine will be available at similar locations that currently offer COVID-19 vaccines such as, community immunization clinics, select doctors' offices, and pharmacies. Continue to check this website for appointment details.

Grandview Kids is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Durham residents 5 to 17 years of age. These clinics provide a child-friendly environment in an accessible building. Youth do not need to be a client of Grandview Kids to access this service.

Download the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic poster

To book an appointment for your youth, visit the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic website.

Your youth is eligible to receive a second dose at a recommended interval of 8 weeks (56 days) after the first dose. Please visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or contact the call centre at 1-888-444-5113 to schedule a second dose appointment for your youth.

• Discuss any questions you have about the vaccine with your youth’s regular health care provider.
• If your youth takes medication, they should continue.
• Eat meals as usual. Ensure that your youth has eaten prior to arriving at clinic for their appointment.
• Do not wear any scented products at the clinic.
• Do not go to the clinic if you feel unwell.
• Do not arrive more than ten minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Dress for the weather as you may need to wait outside before the appointment. 

Informed consent is required before a COVID-19 vaccine can be given.

The person receiving the vaccine, including individuals born in or before 2009, provides consent if they have the capacity to decide. Otherwise a substitute decision maker, such as a parent, provides consent. It is recommended youth discuss the decision to receive a COVID-19 vaccine with a trusted adult, such as a guardian, even if they have the capacity to decide.

To provide consent, the individual needs to understand:

• why the vaccine is recommended,
• the risks and benefits of accepting or refusing the vaccine, and
• the treatment.

The vaccine will be available at similar locations that currently offer COVID-19 vaccines such as, community immunization clinics, select doctors' offices, and pharmacies. Continue to check this website for appointment details.

Grandview Kids is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Durham residents 5 to 17 years of age. These clinics provide a child-friendly environment in an accessible building. Youth do not need to be a client of Grandview Kids to access this service.

Download the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic poster

To book an appointment for your youth, visit the Grandview Kids vaccine clinic website.

• Youth with severe food, insect bite and medication allergies should receive the COVID-19 vaccine and will monitored for a longer period at the clinic following vaccination.
• COVID-19 vaccines do not contain latex, eggs, gluten, gelatin (pork), antibiotics, preservatives, or aluminum.

If your youth has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or medical product, please speak with your youth’s health care provider prior to getting the vaccine. The vaccine is not recommended for your youth if they have had a known allergic reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or a vaccine ingredient.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines may be administered at the same time, or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines.

No specific safety concerns have been identified when routine vaccines are given at the same time or within days of each other; however, there is a possibility of increased temporary side effects when a COVID-19 vaccine and another vaccine are administered at the same time or within days of each other.

• See a list of telephone services available to speak to someone about COVID-19 vaccine questions.
• Child and youth COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet
• COVID-19 vaccine information sheet: For youth (age 12-17)
• What youth need to know about their COVID-19 vaccine appointment
• COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario youth

• What web browser should I use when booking an appointment?
  You should use Google Chrome to access the online booking service.
• When booking my appointment, how do I enter my health card number?
  Please only enter the numbers, no dashes when entering your health card information.
• When booking my appointment, how do I enter my phone number?
  Please only enter the numbers, no dashes when entering your phone number. If you do not have a phone number, you can enter all 0s.
• Can multiple people use the same email or phone number?
  Yes. Multiple people can use the same email or phone number.
• What should I do if I haven’t received my confirmation of appointment email?
  Please check your junk mail as well as your inbox.

We want people coming to the clinics to know that they are accessible and following all public health measures to help ensure people feel comfortable and safe. These measures include:

1. The online booking system encourages clients to bring a support person with them to clinic, if needed, as well as any mobility devices.
2. A call centre to book appointments, as an alternative to booking through the online portal is available. The call centre booking line phone number is 1-888-444-5113.
3. If needed, staffing "ambassadors" are available to escort seniors through the clinics if seniors do not have an assistive device, or are not accompanied by a support person.
4. Chairs will be available and offered to seniors at the clinic, and clinical and administrative float staff will be monitoring lines and supporting seniors, as needed.
5. Assistive devices will be available at clinics and offered to seniors, if needed.
6. The Region has partnered with community agencies to provide free or low-cost transportation for seniors to attend vaccination clinics if transportation costs are a barrier.
   See transportation options for Durham Region COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Community Care Durham

Community Care Durham’s staff and volunteer drivers offer transportation to seniors throughout Durham Region. Drivers are screened each day, wear personal protective equipment, and only transport passengers from one household at a time. Masks are mandatory for passengers. Accessible vans and regular vehicles are available. Rides to the clinics can be booked seven days a week, including evenings, depending on availability.

• Cost: Free
• Contact: 1-888-255-6680 or your local Community Care Durham office.

Durham Region Transit

Learn about free, convenient Durham Region Transit options for Durham residents who are travelling to COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Scheduled Service is available on routes across the Region. Refer to durhamregiontransit.com for details, or contact a customer service representative at 1-866-247-0055 for assistance to plan your trip.

On Demand is a shared ride service. Customers may book through the On Demand app, or by calling call an On Demand booking agent at 1-866-247-0055.

Specialized Services provides public transit service for eligible persons with disabilities who are unable to use conventional transit services for all or part of their ride. Customers with a disability can travel with a support person if they are unable to use DRT services independently. A support person does not pay a fare. Registration is required.

Visit durhamregiontransit.com for full details, or contact a customer service representative at 1-866-247-0055.

• Cost: Age 65 and older costs $2.75 cash or $2.15 with PRESTO. Age 20 to 64 costs $4 cash or $3.25 with PRESTO.
• Contact: 1-866-247-0055, or download the On Demand app.

Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ (OSCC)

The OSCC will transport Oshawa residents to clinics located in Oshawa. They have four accessible walk-on vehicles and four drivers available to transport seniors to and from Oshawa vaccine clinics, on Monday through Friday.

• Cost: Free
• Contact: 905-576-6712 ext. 2878

Seniors on Wheels

Seniors on Wheels offers transportation in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa.

• Cost: Free
• Contact: info@seniorsonwheels.ca, 905-409-7394 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Seniors who are able to attend a community vaccination clinic are encouraged to do so. This will help to provide seniors with the quickest access to the vaccine. If you need assistance with transportation, see transportation options for Durham Region COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

A drive-up vaccination option is available at the Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre (Oshawa) site to support residents in the community who have mobility or developmental challenges such that they are unable to attend inside a community immunization clinic. To ask a question or to request an appointment please contact the clinic by calling (905) 571-3344 or via email at oshawavaccine@lh.ca.

As of April 6, Durham Region Health Department has started home vaccine visits for eligible clients.

Appointment times are assigned; do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your appointment. Hopefully this will mean no line ups and no one waiting outside.

Information clients will need to book an appointment online include:

• Telephone number (home or cell phone)
• Home address including postal code
• Email address (can be family support person)
• Health Card Number

A number of FAQs, as well as a list of myths versus facts, are available on this page.

• Brock Community Health Centre | 705-768-5776
• Carea Community Health Centre | 1-877-227-3217
• Clarington Family Health Organization | 905-987-1896
• Grandview Kids (5-17 vaccine only)
• Harmony Medical Clinic | 416-707-2747
• Medical Associates of Port Perry/North Durham Family Health Team
• Medical Trust Clinics
• Oshawa Clinic Group
• The Gates Medical Centre
• Uxbridge Health Centre | 905-852-1009
• Whitby Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic/Durham KidsKare
• Windfield Medical Centre

Durham Region Health Department continues to receive a high volume of requests to create vaccination records for residents who received their vaccination(s) outside Ontario. Each of these requests requires a careful manual review and data input by staff and as a result, residents may experience wait times in receiving confirmation that their Ontario vaccination record has been created.

We estimate that requests will be processed within 25 business days, though actual processing times may vary as request volumes fluctuate. Please note that submissions with incomplete or unclear information, including errors, may take additional time to process, as they require additional client follow-up.

What proof of vaccination am I required to show?

A QR code is required as proof of vaccination. The QR code can be downloaded digitally or by printing a paper copy.

How do I get a copy of my vaccine receipts?

See our how to obtain your COVID-19 vaccine receipt section.

How do I get my enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code?

What are acceptable forms of proof of identification (ID)?

Validation of ID will occur to ensure that the vaccine receipt belongs to the individual.

Validation of vaccination will be based on two identifiers:

1. Name of the identification holder; and
2. Date of birth

A photo identification is not required.

Examples of identification documents that may be used to confirm the identity of the holder of the vaccine receipt:

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship card
• Driver’s licence
• Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
• Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card
• Passport
• Permanent Resident card

How will my proof of vaccine be verified with my ID?

Proof of vaccination will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their ID matches the QR code with name and date of birth and if the person is fully vaccinated.

If the name and date of birth on both documents do not match, the individual will not be allowed to enter the business or organization.

Where will I need to show proof of vaccinations and ID?

Effective September 22, patrons of the following areas must show proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can enter, with limited exceptions:

• Indoor areas of restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments without dance facilities
• Indoor and outdoor areas of food or drink establishments with dance facilities, including nightclubs and restaurants, clubs and other similar establishments
• Indoor areas of meeting and event spaces
• Indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including waterparks, and personal physical fitness training with limited exemptions
  • Includes gyms, fitness/sporting/recreational facilities, pools, leagues, sporting events, waterparks, and indoor areas of facilities where spectators watch events
• Indoor areas of casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
• Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres, and cinemas
• Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs and strip clubs
• Indoor areas of horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues
• Indoor areas where commercial film and TV productions take place with studio audiences.

Are other public health requirements still necessary?

All other public health and workplace safety measures related to the prevention of COVID-19 remain in effect (including but not limited to capacity limits, patron screening, masking, physical distancing and collection of patron contact information where required).

Who is exempt from showing proof of vaccination?

There are some individuals and situations that are exempt from the new requirement.

What is a medical exemption? How can I get proof?

See our frequently asked question what is medical exemption?

Are you overwhelmed about all of the COVID-19 vaccine information on the Internet?

It is normal to feel nervous about new things. The Internet is filled with all sorts of information and you want to do what is best for you and your family. It is important that you review information that is trustworthy, science-based and updated on a regular basis.

Here are some points to consider to ensure that a website has credible, trustworthy, non-biased, science-based information: