| COVID-19 vaccines general information | 3937.00000000000 | COVID-19 vaccines general information | COVID-19 vaccines general information | C | English | Infectious Diseases | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2022-11-29T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 10.9000000000000 | 49.1000000000000 | 1996.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Canada, and find information about vaccine development, and vaccine safety and effectiveness.</p> | <h2>COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada</h2><p>As of March 2022, six vaccines against COVID-19 are approved for clinical use by Health Canada.</p><p>Two mRNA vaccines:</p><ul><li>
<strong>Pfizer-BioNTech</strong> Comirnaty</li><li>
<strong>Moderna</strong> Spikevax</li></ul><p>Two adenoviral vector vaccines:</p><ul><li>
<strong>AstraZeneca</strong> Vaxzevria</li><li>
<strong>Janssen</strong> Jcovden (Johnson and Johnson)</li></ul><p>One protein-based vaccine:</p><ul><li>
<strong>Novavax</strong> Nuvaxovid</li></ul><p>One plant-based virus like particle:</p><ul><li>
<strong>Medicago</strong> Covifenz</li></ul> | | <p>Looking for information specific to children under five years of age? Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=4054&language=English">COVID-19 vaccination for ages under five</a>.</p><p>Looking for information specific to children aged five to 11? Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=4001&language=English&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19 vaccine information for children (ages five to 11)</a>.</p><p>Looking for information specific to youth age 12+? Visit the page on
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=4000&language=English&hub=COVID-19">COVID-19 vaccine information for youth (ages 12+)</a>.</p>
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<h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Staying up-to-date with routine childhood vaccines and the annual influenza vaccine, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, is strongly recommended for the prevention of illnesses. Please note, for those under five years of age, a 14-day interval between the COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine is recommended. Speak with your primary care provider for more information.</li><li>Vaccines against COVID-19 have been shown to be safe and effective against the disease.</li><li>Six COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use by Health Canada.</li><li>Vaccines are approved for age groups six months and older.</li><li>The Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines have been approved for use in children six months to 17 years of age. Please note, Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for five to 17-year-olds.</li><li>There is no preferred vaccine for healthy children aged six months to four years of age as both are safe and effective. However, in children aged six months to four years of age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, Moderna 25 mcg is the preferred vaccine.</li>
</ul> | <h2>How do mRNA vaccines work?</h2><p>The vaccines work by teaching your immune cells to recognize a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called a spike protein. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the virus that causes COVID-19.</p><p>Pfizer uses messenger RNA (mRNA)in their vaccines. The mRNA is a small piece of genetic code from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that tells the body to make the spike protein of the coronavirus. The production of the spike protein is recognized by immunity helpers, which will assemble an army of B cells. The B cells produce the antibodies that create immunity against the virus. After the vaccine causes this immune response, the body rapidly gets rid of the spike protein and the mRNA, the antibodies and immune memory remain.</p>
<figure class="asset-c-80"><img alt="The mRNA vaccines contain a small piece of genetic code from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that will tell the body make the spike protein of the coronavirus. The production of the spike protein causes the immune system to produce antibodies that create immunity against the virus." src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Covid_vaccine_mRNA.jpg" /><figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Vaccines teach your immune system to recognize the coronavirus by presenting the spike protein to immunity helpers. The mRNA vaccines contain a small piece of genetic code from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that will tell the body to make the spike protein of the coronavirus. The immunity helpers will then assemble an army of B cells, which will produce antibodies against this spike protein. B cells also remember how to create these antibodies and they will mature to become memory B cells. They are now prepared to repeat the immune response in the future.<br>After vaccination, if your body encounters the coronavirus, the memory B cells recognize the spike protein on the virus and they will increase the antibody production. The antibodies will bind to the spike protein on the virus, blocking the virus from spreading.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe and are there any side effects?</h2><p>Two mRNA vaccines have been approved by Health Canada: The Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. They have met the requirements for approval by Health Canada as they have been studied in clinical trials on a large number of people and were shown to be safe. In the studies, the number of people who got the vaccine and had unexpected severe side effects was similar to the number of people who received a placebo (substance or treatment that contains no active ingredients).</p><p>People who receive a COVID-19 vaccine may experience side effects, such as fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills and fever. These are side effects that are commonly seen after any vaccination. Allergic reactions have only rarely occurred after COVID-19 vaccination.</p><h2>What about the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis?</h2><p>Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and/or pericarditis (inflammation of the sac that envelopes the heart) following a COVID-19 vaccine have been reported in Canada and internationally. These cases are
<u>very</u> rare and are most frequently reported after the second dose of an mRNA vaccine. Most cases were mild and resolved with symptomatic treatment within a few days. As part of safety surveillance systems, Public Health Ontario is closely monitoring cases of myocarditis/pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination.</p><p>Additional information about
<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/pharmacy/sites/ca.pharmacy/files/uploads/files/myocarditis_and_pericarditis_after_covid-19_vaccines.pdf">myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination</a> is available in this article from the University of Waterloo.</p><h2>Is there any chance that the COVID-19 vaccine can give me the virus?</h2><p>No. There is no way you can get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. None of the vaccines contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19.</p><h2>After vaccination, how long does it take to be protected from COVID-19?</h2><p>After you get the vaccine, immunity usually starts to develop after 14 days. For vaccines that need two-doses, a maximum immune response occurs seven to 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine.</p><h2>How can anyone be sure a vaccine developed so quickly is also safe?</h2><p>Work on coronavirus vaccines has been ongoing for more than 10 years, due in part to the SARS-CoV-1 outbreak in 2003. It was important to develop the COVID-19 vaccine quickly because of how many people were dying and getting sick, and because of the disruptions to everyday life as a result of the pandemic. Even though the vaccines were developed quickly, all the usual steps for the approval of vaccines occurred, including clinical trials with the appropriate number of participants. Because of the worldwide collaboration and significant amount of resources that were made available to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the large number of COVID-19 cases the clinical trials were able to happen quickly. This made it easier to tell quickly whether or not the vaccines worked to prevent cases of COVID-19. The vaccine was rapidly shown to be effective in protecting against COVID-19.</p><h2>What is the difference between natural immunity and immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine?</h2><p>Natural immunity refers to the immune responses that are developed following exposure to an infection. When contracting an infection, most individuals will develop antibodies that are key to recognizing and fighting the same infection, if encountered again. Natural immunity can decrease with time, and the antibodies may not last in your immune system for a very long time. Developing natural immunity also implies that you need to contract the infection, meaning that you could experience very serious health complications as a result.</p><p>Immunity against COVID-19 can also be achieved by getting vaccinated. The difference, in this case, is that the vaccine instructs your immune system on how to develop the antibodies that protect against COVID-19 without having to contract the infection and get sick. Because additional vaccine doses are given to help build the immune responses, the antibodies continue to circulate in the body for a longer period than when contracting the infection a single time.</p><h2>Why should anyone get vaccinated if the Omicron variant is widespread and everyone will be infected with the virus eventually?</h2><p>Vaccination helps prevent severe disease and hospitalization due to COVID-19. Children and youth who previously had COVID-19 have some protection, but this protection will be much stronger if they're also vaccinated.</p><p>Another reason for vaccination is to get the virus under control. Omicron may be less severe, but its high transmissibility means many more people will be affected. This puts our health and our health-care system at risk. The more resources we have to direct toward caring for patients with COVID-19, the more challenging it is to provide life-changing surgeries and procedures for patients who don't have COVID-19 and are also in need of care.</p><h2>Is COVID over?</h2><p>No, COVID-19 is not over. The virus causing COVID-19 is still circulating and vaccination remains very important. Even if you have been infected, immunity is much stronger if you have been vaccinated and keep up to date with boosters as well. Vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 spend less time sick and away from activities and are less likely to expose those around them because they shed less virus.</p><h2>Can “long COVID” affect both children and youth?</h2><p>Yes, it can. Cases of long COVID have been detected in both children and youth, although it appears less common than in adults. Long COVID is not related to illness severity, as even asymptomatic cases can result in this condition. Early studies are showing a decreased risk of long COVID in adults who have been vaccinated, and this is promising for children and youth as well, however, more research is needed.</p><h2>What age groups are eligible for a booster dose and when?</h2><p>We have developed the following chart to help families understand when their child is eligible to receive a booster dose. Note that the recommendations are based on guidance from NACI and differ for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. For more information, see this article from the Ministry of Health entitled “<a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID_19_vaccine_up_to_date.pdf#page=3">Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines: Recommended Doses</a>.”</p><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Age group</th><th>Primary series</th><th>1st booster</th><th>Additional boosters</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Under 5 years</td><td>Pfizer: 3 doses (8 weeks apart)<br>Moderna: 2 doses (8 weeks apart)</td><td>n/a</td><td>n/a</td></tr><tr><td>Under 5 years (moderately to severely immunocompromised)</td><td>Pfizer: 4 doses (8 weeks apart)<br>Moderna: 3 doses (4 to 8 weeks apart)</td><td>n/a</td><td>n/a</td></tr><tr><td>5-11 years</td><td>2 doses (8 weeks apart)</td><td>After 6 months</td><td>n/a</td></tr><tr><td>5-11 years (moderately to severely immunocompromised)</td><td>3 doses (8 weeks apart)</td><td>After 6 months</td><td>n/a</td></tr><tr><td>12-17 years</td><td>2 doses (8 weeks apart)</td><td>After 6 months</td><td>6 months after last booster</td></tr><tr><td>12-17 years (moderately to severely immunocompromised)</td><td>3 doses (8 weeks apart)</td><td>After 3 to 6 months</td><td>3 to 6 months after last booster</td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>If you're eligible to receive a booster dose and you've had COVID-19, it's recommended that you receive your booster dose three months after you tested positive or started having symptoms or at least six months after your previous dose (whichever is longer).</p><h2>Can I get other immunizations, such as the influenza (flu) vaccine, at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine?</h2><p>According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations, in people five years of age and older, COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or anytime before or after, other vaccines, including the influenza (flu) vaccine. For children six months to four years of age, the recommendation is to wait 14 days before receiving other (non-COVID-19) vaccines, such as the flu vaccine. This is a precaution to monitor any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine or another vaccine. If a vaccine is needed urgently, please follow the advice of your child’s health-care provider.</p><h2>If I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19, will this protect my child?</h2><p>There is more and more evidence that suggests fully vaccinated people are less likely to develop asymptomatic COVID-19 and potentially less likely to transmit the infection to others. This may be true for vaccinated parents and the risk of transmission to their child. However, more studies are needed to confirm this. Individual vaccination for everyone who is eligible offers the best possible protection against COVID-19 infection.</p><h2>If my child develops COVID-19 and I am fully vaccinated, will I have protection against the disease?</h2><p>It has been shown that people who are fully vaccinated are at lower risk of getting COVID-19 and are at lower risk of getting severe disease, including admission to the hospital and intensive care unit. If you are fully vaccinated and your child is later diagnosed with COVID-19, you are at a lower risk of developing the disease but taking precautions is still wise.</p><h2>How is the Omicron variant different from other strains we have seen before and how widespread is it?</h2><p>Omicron is a variant of COVID-19 that is much more transmissible than previous strains, which is causing the rapid rise in case numbers and a corresponding number of hospitalizations. In adults, there is evidence that vaccines remain effective at preventing hospitalization and severe disease from Omicron, especially in people who are fully vaccinated and remain up-to-date on boosters. The Omicron strain, because of its high transmissibility, has become the dominant form of COVID-19 in Ontario and much of the world.</p><h2>If my child or I already had COVID-19, should we still get the vaccine? If so, when?</h2><p>Yes. It is recommended that anyone who has had COVID-19 still get the vaccine. If your child has not yet completed their primary series, NACI recommends waiting eight weeks following infection for a primary series dose, or four to eight weeks if they are immunocompromised. If your child has completed their primary series, they can get a booster dose three months from the onset of symptoms or a positive test if asymptomatic. The clinical trials included people who previously had COVID-19, and the vaccine was found to be safe for them. Because antibodies against COVID-19 decrease after infection and it is possible to get the infection again (sometimes more severely), the vaccine is recommended as it can be helpful in boosting a person's existing immunity to COVID-19.</p><h2>Will getting the COVID-19 vaccine help my child stay in school and in their extra-curricular activities?</h2><p>All children and youth benefit from routine educational, physical and other extracurricular activities. School and other activities are likely to be able to stay open if hospitalization rates are manageable. Vaccination is the most important step to ensure this in adults and children six months of age and up.</p><h2>Where can I find mental health resources for caregivers and children?</h2><p>Please visit the
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3883&language=English">COVID-19: Well-being and mental health resources</a> page to help you and your family through these difficult times. You can also speak to your primary care provider about accessing mental health services in your community.</p><h2>Eligibility requirements</h2><p>To find information about current eligibility requirements for each province and territory, click on the links below.</p><p>
<strong>Alberta</strong><br><a href="https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx">COVID-19 vaccines and records</a></p><p>
<strong>British Columbia</strong><br><a href="http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine/getting-a-vaccine">Getting a vaccine</a></p><p>
<strong>Manitoba</strong><br><a href="https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibility-criteria.html">COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Criteria</a></p><p>
<strong>New Brunswick</strong><br><a href="https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/nb-vaccine.html">COVID-19 vaccines</a></p><p>
<strong>Newfoundland and Labrador</strong><br><a href="https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine/gettheshot/">Get the Shot</a></p><p>
<strong>Northwest Territories</strong><br><a href="https://www.nthssa.ca/en/services/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-updates/covid-vaccine">COVID-19 Vaccine</a></p><p>
<strong>Nova Scotia</strong><br><a href="https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirusvaccine">COVID-19 Vaccine</a></p><p>
<strong>Nunavut</strong><br><a href="https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination">COVID-19 Vaccination</a></p><p>
<strong>Ontario</strong><br><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines">COVID-19 vaccines</a></p><p>
<strong>Prince Edward Island</strong><br><a href="https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19-vaccines">COVID-19 Vaccines</a></p><p>
<strong>Quebec</strong><br><a href="https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/vaccination/covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a></p><p>
<strong>Saskatchewan</strong><br><a href="https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/vaccine-booking">Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccination</a></p><p>
<strong>Yukon</strong><br><a href="https://yukon.ca/en/vaccine-questions">Vaccine questions</a></p><p>For general information on COVID-19, please visit the
<a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/covid-19">COVID-19 learning hub</a>.</p><h2>Information on how to prepare and support your child with their COVID-19 vaccine</h2><p>CARD System Learning Hub<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/card">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/card</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain in children aged 18 months or over<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=990&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=990&language=English</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain with comfort positions and distraction<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3629&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3629&language=English</a></p><p>Needle pokes: Reducing pain with numbing cream<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3627&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=3627&language=English</a></p><p>Pain relief: Comfort kit<br><a href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1258&language=English">https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1258&language=English</a></p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>References</h2><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 26). COVID-19 Vaccination. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html</a></p><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 8). Science Brief: Background Rationale and Evidence for Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/fully-vaccinated-people.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/fully-vaccinated-people.html</a></p><p>Government of Ontario Ministry of Health. (2020, March 31). COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario. Retrieved from
<a href="https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario">https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario</a></p><p>Government of Ontario Ministry of Health. (2022, November 7). COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccine_administration.pdf">https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/COVID-19_vaccine_administration.pdf</a></p><p>Health Canada. (2021, October 18). Health Canada receives submission from Pfizer-BioNTech to authorize the use of Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/10/health-canada-receives-submission-from-pfizer-biontech-to-authorize-the-use-of-comirnaty-covid-19-vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2021/10/health-canada-receives-submission-from-pfizer-biontech-to-authorize-the-use-of-comirnaty-covid-19-vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html</a></p><p>ImmunizeBC. (2021, March 12). COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from
<a href="https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions">https://immunizebc.ca/covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions</a></p><p>ImmunizeCanada. (2021, February 18). COVID-19 Info. Retrieved from
<a href="https://immunize.ca/covid-19-info">https://immunize.ca/covid-19-info</a></p><p>National Advisory Committee on Immunization. (2021, May 5). Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf">https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf</a></p><p>National Advisory Committee on Immunization. (2022, October 31). COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-26-covid-19-vaccine.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-26-covid-19-vaccine.html</a></p>
<p>Pfizer. (2021, September 20). Pfizer and BioNTech Announce Positive Topline Results from Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results">https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results</a></p><p>Pfizer. (2021, September 28). Pfizer and BioNTech Submit Initial Data to U.S. FDA From Pivotal Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to <12 Years of Age. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-submit-initial-data-us-fda-pivota">https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-submit-initial-data-us-fda-pivota</a>l</p><p>Public Health Agency of Canada. (2021, September 28). Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI): Recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf">https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines-en.pdf</a></p><p>Walter, E.B., Talaat, K.R., Sabharwal, C., Gurtman, A., Lockhart, S., Paulsen, G.C.,…Gruber, W.C., for the C4591007 Clinical Trial Group. (2021). Evaluation of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine in Children 5 to 11 Years of Age.
<em>New England Journal of Medicine</em>.
<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2116298">https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2116298</a></p><p>World Health Organization. (2021, February 19). COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved from
<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines">https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines</a></p> | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/COVID-19_Vaccine.jpg | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/COVID-19_Vaccine.jpg | COVID-19 vaccines general information | | False | | | COVID-19 vaccines general information | Learn which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Canada, and find information on vaccine development, and safety and effectiveness in children. | | | | |
