COVID-19 Vaccines
Latest COVID-19 vaccine updates
- The Ontario Ministry of Health recommends that individuals six months and older, receive a dose of the XBB containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if previously vaccinated against COVID-19, and it has been six months from your last COVID-19 vaccine dose or known COVID-19 infection.
- Residents six months and older can receive the XBB COVID-19 vaccine at pharmacies, select health care providers, and community immunization clinics. See where to get vaccinated.
- Coadministration of flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine is recommended. Contact your health care provider's office or a participating pharmacy at ontario.ca/vaccine-locations, to inquire about receiving the COVID-19 & flu vaccines at the same time.
Vaccine eligibility and doses
Not previously vaccinated | ||||||
Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth. Individuals who have not been previously vaccinated, may receive an XBB vaccine to initiate the series.
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Previously vaccinated | ||||||
Previously vaccinated individuals six-months and older are recommended to receive an XBB COVID-19 vaccine. The recommended interval is at least six months (168 days) after a previous COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed COVID-19 infection. A COVID-19 infection is defined as a COVID-19 case confirmed by a molecular (e.g. PCR or rapid antigen test, or an individual who is symptomatic AND is a household contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case). Proof of eligibility requirement: ID with date of birth. |
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Previously vaccinated individuals who are immunocompromised | ||||||
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Re-vaccination | ||||||
Special populations 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:
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Am I up to date with my COVID-19 vaccinations? | ||||||
Stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations Individuals six-months and older are considered up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a fall 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose. |
Where to get vaccinated
Pharmacies | ||||||||||||||
Select pharmacy locations in the Durham Region are administering vaccines to individuals six-months and older. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Check with the pharmacy before you go. When receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals may also receive their annual flu vaccine at participating pharmacies. |
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Community immunization clinics | ||||||||||||||
Health Department community immunization clinics offer COVID-19 vaccines only.
Book a vaccine appointment online Community immunization clinic calendar Appointments can also be made by calling 1-888-444-5113.
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Health care providers | ||||||||||||||
Some health care providers in the community offer COVID-19 vaccines. Please follow-up with your health care provider or local walk-in clinic. |
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Homebound immunization for eligible clients | ||||||||||||||
If you or someone you know meets the above criteria, please email RDPShomeboundCOVIDVaccine@durham.ca. Limited appointments are available.
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Proof of vaccination and receipts
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for businesses.
- Businesses can voluntarily implement a proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirement upon entry to their facility.
COVID-19 vaccine receipts | ||||
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Reporting vaccines received outside of Ontario or Canada | ||||
Out of province entries requires a careful manual review, verification and data input by staff. Submissions with incomplete or unclear information, including errors may take additional time to process as they require additional follow-up with client or the organization where the vaccines were administered.
Examples of proof include:
Some individuals vaccinated in Ontario received vaccine from what is referred to as non-Ontario stock. This refers to vaccine that was not allocated to Ontario or recorded in the provincial vaccine management system. Generally, these doses were delivered at institutions such as correctional facilities, military groups or embassies. Individuals who received doses of vaccine from the non-Ontario stock may also report out non-Ontario stock vaccinations to Durham Region Health Department using our online form. |
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Requesting a name change on QR codes | ||||
Name changes on your vaccine certificate |
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines
Children six-months to under five-years old | ||||||||||||||
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Children five to 11-years old | ||||||||||||||
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General COVID-19 vaccine information | ||||||||||||||
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Medical and safety information | ||||||||||||
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Vaccine approval and clinical trial (testing) information |
How was Health Canada able to approve the COVID-19 vaccine so quickly? Creating a new vaccine can take years. The COVID-19 vaccine happened so quickly for many reasons including:
Health Canada developed a fast-track review process to assess COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine manufacturers were able to submit research and new evidence for review by Health Canada as it becomes available and throughout clinic trials. Previously, all clinical trials had to be completed prior to applying for Health Canada approval. Health Canada has implemented greater scientific resources, so reviews are completed in a timely manner without compromising any standards for vaccine use in Canada.
Check out this video for more information about how the COVID-19 vaccine was developed. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccine and the approval process, visit Health Canada's website. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Resources in other languages
COVID-19 communication resources | ontario.ca
Resources for Indigenous Peoples
The facts about COVID-19 vaccines
EnglishCree Inuktitut Objibwe Eastern
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