COVID-19 vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our Vaccination Clinics for COVID-19 page to see who is currently eligible, and for information on clinic dates, locations and how to book an appointment. This page is updated frequently as new information becomes available.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts primarily uses the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines in its clinics. Other non-mRNA vaccines are also used as needed.

The following table outlines the COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered across the districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. The table includes vaccines administered by Public Health Sudbury & Districts, pharmacies, and primary care providers.

Visit our clinic page to see information on which vaccine is available at each clinic and how to book. You can speak with the immunizer if you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine available to you at the clinic.

Given the need to continue following personal protective measures, mass immunization clinics for COVID-19 will look different than the mass immunization clinics that people are used to. Clinic layouts may vary from smaller groups of people attending clinics to the hockey hub model.

Here is what to expect before, during, and after your vaccination for COVID-19.

Before your appointment

1. Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.
2. Eat and drink something before heading out to your appointment to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
3. Wear a top that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or a t-shirt.
4. Bring a mask or face covering that covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
5. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not attend the clinic. Please cancel your appointment.
6. For further information on the vaccine and your appointment, see the Ministry of Health’s document entitled what you need to know before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Upon arrival for your scheduled vaccination

1. Wear your mask, use hand sanitizer, and maintain physical distancing. A medical grade mask will be provided to those that do not have one.
2. You will be screened at the door for COVID-19.
3. You will be checked-in for your appointment and be seated in the waiting area.
4. You will be called to receive your immunization. The immunizer will answer any questions you may have and ensure that you are an eligible candidate for the vaccine (without contraindications).
5. You may ask your immunizer to record the immunization on your Immunization Record if you brought it with you.

After receiving your COVID-19 vaccination

• Following your COVID-19 vaccination, you will be seated in the waiting area for a period of 5 or 15 minutes (some people may be asked to wait for 30 minutes) as a precaution.
• You will be checked-out, and a subsequent appointment will be booked, as required.
• Should you experience any adverse effects, as with all immunizations, inform your primary health care provider or seek emergency medical care if warranted.
• Remember that mild side effects can be a sign that your immune system is working to build an immune response. Refer to the Ministry of Health’s vaccine after care sheet for more details.

Yes, because no vaccine is 100% effective. The COVID-19 vaccines teach your immune system how to recognize and fight against the COVID-19 virus, which helps to prevent illness if you encounter the virus. The vaccines can help prevent hospitalization, ICU admission, and death from COVID-19.

It is important that you receive all recommended doses (including booster doses) of the vaccine to stay up to date and to build long-term protection against COVID-19.

The Government of Ontario recommends that a third (booster) dose of a COVID-19 vaccine be offered to individuals aged 12 years and up. A third dose will help to improve the immune response and add an extra layer of protection. Learn more about third doses and who is eligible.

The Government of Ontario also recommends a fourth dose (second booster) to select vulnerable populations that face the highest risk of serious illness from the virus as well as individuals aged 60 and over and First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over. A fourth dose (second booster) will help provide an improved immune response for these high-risk individuals and will add an extra layer of protection.

The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for fourth doses to provide an extra layer of protection against both the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants. Eligible population for a fourth dose (second booster) include:

• Individuals aged 60 and over
• Those who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over

The Government of Ontario recommends that these individuals receive their fourth dose (second booster) five months (140 days) after they received their third dose (first booster). With informed consent the fourth dose (second booster) can be received 3 months (84 days) after their third dose (first booster).

A fourth (second booster) dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended for residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and older adults living in other congregate settings providing assisted-living and health services who received their third (first booster) dose at least three months (84 days) prior.

Eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to receive a fourth dose (second booster) as soon as they are eligible to enhance their immunity and protect against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death.

For some populations, a third dose may be required in the primary series, as two doses may not provide sufficient protection. This includes, for example, those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Learn more about who is eligible for a third dose as part of a primary series. It is also recommended that these individuals, aged 12 years and older, receive a fourth (booster) dose, adding an extra layer of protection.

A booster dose provides your immune system with a boost and reminds for your immune system how to fight off COVID-19. Over time, immunity decreases, and the booster dose helps increase protection from COVID-19 and its variants. Individuals over the age of 12 are eligible for a third (booster) dose.

In addition, the Government of Ontario recommends a fourth (second booster)  dose to individuals aged 60 and over and First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over. These two groups may be scheduled a minimum of 5 months (140 days) after completing their third dose (first booster). A fourth (second booster) dose of an mRNA vaccine is also recommended for residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and older adults living in other congregate settings providing assisted-living and health services who received their third (first booster) dose at least three months (84 days) prior.

Yes, however it is important to know that protection after a primary COVID-19 vaccine series decreases over time, especially against the Omicron variant of concern. COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help to provide better protection and reduces the chances of severe symptoms, as well as helps to reduce spread. It is important that you receive all recommended doses (including booster doses) of the vaccine to stay up to date and to build long-term protection against COVID-19.

Yes. Select pharmacies (Government of Ontario) and primary care settings are administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes. If you work, study, or live in Ontario you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, free of charge. The COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to everyone in Canada for whom it is approved and recommended. This applies to all individuals in Canada, whether they are citizens or not.

Yes. To book your appointment, have another form of identification available such as a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, employee identification, First Nations identification, MRN (Medical Record Number), or out of province health card. The vaccine will be administered to you at no cost. Anyone who works, studies, or lives in Ontario is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals who have received their COVID-19 vaccine(s)—either a complete or partial series—can use our form to report their COVID-19 vaccination(s) in the provincial database (COVaxON) or contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts, so we can update your immunization record. This will also help public health agencies monitor vaccine coverage. If your COVID-19 vaccination records are not in the provincial online database, we encourage you to submit your proof of vaccinations to help public health agencies monitor vaccine coverage. You can verify and access your records online through the provincial system (COaxxON).

If you have received a partial series, meaning your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with a vaccine that requires two doses, please report your COVID-19 vaccination(s) in the provincial database (COVaxON) or contact Public Health Sudbury & Districts to have your immunization record updated. We will require proof of vaccination, for example, an immunization record or proof of vaccine certificate (PVC). Contact us at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200). Once we have updated your immunization record and reviewed the details of the specific vaccine you received, you will be able to book your next vaccine appointment via telephone or online.

For more information, read the COVID-19 Guidance for individuals vaccinated outside of Ontario / Canada  (Ontario Ministry of Health, PDF).

Yes, using personal protective measures such as physical distancing, wearing a face covering, increasing ventilation in indoor spaces, and hand washing along with getting the COVID-19 vaccine are all protective layers that we need to continue until we receive widespread protection against the virus.

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for use in approved populations. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Health Canada conducted an expediated, or rolling, approval process (Health Canada). This means that the vaccine was evaluated for safety and efficacy while it was being developed, and again when it was finalized. Though faster, all the components of a routine approvals process were addressed. The Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine were authorized for use in Canada under the Interim Order. The interim order expired on September 16, 2021. On this date, theses vaccines transitioned to full authorization under the Food and Drug Regulations.

For more information, please watch the video linked below:

• COVID-19 How vaccines are developed (Health Canada)

In general, messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA, tells our cells which proteins to make. The COVID-19 vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, and it tells our cells to make proteins that are part of the coronavirus. These proteins are called “spike proteins”. Once made, spike proteins are recognized by our immune system as foreign, and our system starts to create antibodies to clear our bodies of this foreign material. The immune system removes the mRNA from the vaccine and destroys the spike proteins with antibodies. Our immune system also remembers this foreign material. This means that if someone receives the COVID-19 vaccine, develops an immune response, and then gets the virus, their immune cells will be able to recognize and destroy the viruses before they can make the person sick.

Although COVID-19 mRNA (Health Canada) vaccines are new for use, mRNA vaccines are not unknown, researchers have been studying and working with them for decades. For more information on mRNA vaccines please watch our Quick Facts Videos.

There are three types of non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada:

• Protein-based vaccines (for example, Novavax),
• Viral vector-based vaccines (for example, AstraZeneca Vaxzevira and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Plant based virus-like particle vaccines (for example, Medicago Covifenz)

Protein-based vaccines use harmless and purified pieces (proteins) of the virus, which have been specifically selected for their ability to trigger an immune response inside our body. The vaccines cannot cause COVID-19 because they only contain small, purified pieces of proteins and not the virus.

Viral vector-based vaccines use a harmless virus (in this case, the adenovirus) as a delivery system. Adenoviruses are viruses that cause the common cold. There are many different types, including those that cause colds in humans and those that infect other species. Adenoviruses do not cause COVID-19, and you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Plant based virus-like particle vaccines use plant-based technology. The virus’ genetic code is delivered to the leaf cell of the plant using harmless bacteria. The plant’s natural cell process is used to produce a non-infectious virus-like particles that mimics the spike virus that causes COVID-19.

For more information on non-mRNA vaccine eligibility and how to book and appointment, visit our vaccine clinic page.

Yes. The clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines included people of different races and ethnicities. Vaccine efficacy is continuously analyzed for all races and ethnicities.

No, the COVID-19 vaccine cannot cause a COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved do not use live components of the virus. This means that it is impossible for them to cause COVID-19 infection.

If you have allergies, for example to foods, oral drugs, insect venom, latex, or environmental allergies, (allergies that are not related to a component of a COVID-19 vaccine or other injectable therapy), you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine without any special precautions. Individuals with allergy issues like asthma and eczema can receive the vaccine followed by observation for a minimum of 15 minutes.

If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine in the past (with no components of a COVID-19 vaccine), you may receive the vaccine but should wait for 30 minutes following your COVID-19 vaccination for observation.

If you have an allergy to any components of the COVID-19 vaccine or had an allergic reaction within 4 hours of receiving a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you should speak with a physician or nurse practitioner who will complete an evaluation to determine if you can safely receive the vaccine.

It is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while breastfeeding (Government of Ontario), and there is no need to stop or delay breastfeeding after getting vaccinated. Getting vaccinated by receiving all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including any booster dose(s) when eligible, will provide strong protection against COVID-19 and help prevent you from passing it to your baby and other family members.

If you get vaccinated while breastfeeding, the vaccine itself will not transfer into breastmilk.  Studies suggest that the antibodies you produce following vaccination will transfer and may protect your baby who is not yet eligible for vaccination from COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding by visiting our Parent and guardian (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccine resources pages.

If you’re pregnant you can safely get the COVID-19 vaccine (Government of Ontario) in any trimester of pregnancy. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends that pregnant individuals receive the full COVID-19 vaccine series, followed by a booster doses when eligible. The Government of Ontario recommends (PDF) that all pregnant women get vaccinated as soon as possible at any stage in pregnancy, or even before becoming pregnant.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding by visiting our Parent and guardian (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccine resources pages.

People who have autoimmune conditions, immunodeficiency conditions, and those who are immunosuppressed can choose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine following a thorough conversation with a health care provider. This conversation can, and often will occur, between the individual and the immunizer during the appointment. For specifics about this conversation, please refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for Special Populations (PDF, 154 KB).

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, your immunization should be postponed until symptoms resolve and you’ve met the criteria for discontinuing isolation. Waiting to get the vaccine until you are feeling well will allow you to identify any side effects, without potentially confusing them with symptoms of an illness. It will also help reduce the risk of transmitting the illness at the immunization clinic site.

The Government of Ontario recommends that individuals infected with COVID-19 before completing their primary series (infection between dose 1 and 2) wait 8 weeks before receiving their next dose. Immunocompromised individuals should wait 4 to 8 weeks before continuing their primary series and consult their primary care provider to determine the best timeline to continue vaccination.

The Government of Ontario recommends that individuals infected with COVID-19 after their primary series (for most, dose 1 and dose 2) but before their booster dose, receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test (if asymptomatic) and, for 12 to 17 year olds, provided it is at least 6 months from completing the primary series. However, with informed consent, individuals 12 years of age and older, may receive a booster dose once they are asymptomatic and have completed their isolation.

Yes. The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) recommends that people who have previously had a COVID-19 infection get the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because the length of time immunity lasts after a COVID-19 infection resolves is currently unknown, and reinfections have been reported. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, your immunization should be postponed until symptoms resolve and you’ve met the criteria for discontinuing isolation.

The Government of Ontario recommends that individuals infected with COVID-19 before completing their primary series (infection between dose 1 and 2) wait 8 weeks before receiving their next dose. Immunocompromised individuals should wait 4 to 8 weeks before continuing their primary series and consult their primary care provider to determine the best timeline to continue vaccination.

The Government of Ontario recommends that individuals infected with COVID-19 after their primary series (for most, dose 1 and dose 2) but before their booster dose, receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test (if asymptomatic) and, for 12 to 17 year olds, provided it is at least 6 months from completing the primary series. However, with informed consent, individuals 12 years of age and older, may receive a booster dose once they are asymptomatic and have completed their isolation.

The vaccine has been shown to prevent or reduce symptoms of COVID-19, and reduce hospitalizations and possible long-term effects (Government of  Canada) including post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (also known as long COVID or post COVID-19 condition). It will also help to keep our case numbers low, protect lives, and our health care system.

Here are some more reasons for getting the COVID-19 vaccine:

• People who have COVID-19 may spread the virus to others, including friends and family who are not eligible for vaccination and people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Some people may have long-term health issues after COVID-19 infection, even after a person recovers from their initial infection.
• Getting sick with COVID-19 can cause severe illness or death, and we can’t reliably predict who will have mild or severe symptoms.

Vaccination is very important, even if you’ve been previously infected with COVID-19. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection helps improve the immune response and may provide better and longer-lasting protection.

The COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, other vaccines, including live, non-live, adjuvanted, and non-adjuvanted vaccines.

Children 5 to 11 years of age must wait at least 14 days before or after receiving another vaccine prior to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Getting your flu shot helps protect you, and those around you from getting sick with the flu. Having fewer sick people in our community helps reduce the burden on the health care system and ensures health care resources remain available and accessible. This is especially important this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like most vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered intramuscularly (into the muscle) at the top of the arm.

Like any other vaccine or medication, there are potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, although not everyone experiences them. Individuals who experience side effects mostly reported them as being mild and within the first two days after vaccination. The most common side effects include pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, and mild fever.

With ongoing monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines serious side effects found are extremely rare. Individuals who experienced these rare side effects appear to be mild and respond well to conservative treatment (for example., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and rest.

If you experience side effects that are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days, please seek immediate medical attention. Examples of side effects can include:

• hives
• swelling of the face or mouth
• trouble breathing
• chest pain
• irregular heart rate
• serious drowsiness
• high fever (over 40°C)
• convulsions or seizures
• other serious symptoms (for example, “pins and needles” or numbness)
• myocarditis and pericarditis

Speak with your health care provider if you experienced any symptoms or adverse events after vaccination. All adverse reactions will be documented in real time and reported to Public Health for follow-up.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh their potential risks, as scientific evidence shows that they reduce deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. The federal, provincial, and local public health authorities encourage people to get vaccinated and to complete their vaccine series as soon as they are eligible. The COVID-19 vaccine can also help reduce the spread to others.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization strongly recommends that two doses of an mRNA vaccine should be offered to all individuals 5 years of age and older. Receiving a second dose and a booster dose if you are eligible will provide you with better and longer protection against COVID-19, including the Omicron variant.

Yes. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (Government of Canada) has confirmed that a mixed vaccine schedule for the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax) is both safe and effective and the mRNA vaccines are considered interchangeable.

For individuals 30 years and older, the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax vaccines can be safely interchanged. Individuals 12 to 29 years of age are preferentially recommended to get the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine. These recommendations are in alignment with the Ministry of Health Third Dose Recommendations guidance document and based on evidence of immune protection.

You can speak with the immunizer if you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine available to you at the clinic.

View this infographic (PDF) for more information.

Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been identified in Ontario. However, these cases have typically been mild. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle and pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around the heart.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada continues to closely monitor the situation. Available information to date indicates the following:

• Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were more commonly reported after the second dose of the Moderna Spikevax vaccines in males aged 18 to 39 years old.
• Symptoms typically appeared within several days following vaccination.
• Cases experienced mild illness and symptoms improved quickly (they responded well to conservative treatment and rest).

The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for eligible individuals under the age of 29due to a lower observed risk of myocarditis/pericarditis as compared with Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine. All eligible individuals 12 to 29 years old who choose to receive Moderna Spikevax must provide informed consent and understand the increased risk of myocarditis/pericarditis for their age group. Vaccination is highly recommended; the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks.

All vaccines used in Ontario have been approved by Health Canada and are safe and effective. Public Health Sudbury & Districts continues to recommend getting your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to you. With the Omicron variant circulating in Ontario, all individuals are encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible for their booster dose. Individuals are also encouraged to get their first or second dose if they haven’t yet already.

No. The COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory. However, select sectors are required to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy. The vaccine is highly recommended for all eligible individuals. For details, visit Ontario.ca.

Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination to enter their facilities. It is recommended that highest-risk settings continue to require proof of vaccination prior to entry. Ontarians who receive a COVID-19 vaccine can obtain a vaccination receipt or certificate. An enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with official QR code can be downloaded from Ontario’s booking portal. You can also Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to get your certificate in the mail: 1‑833‑943‑3900 (available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week). A digital or paper version of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code can be used.

While Public Health Sudbury & Districts strongly encourages the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy in the workplace, this recommendation is voluntary, and is not legally enforceable under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. Some settings are subject to provincial requirements for vaccination policies including hospitals, ambulance services, home and community care services, post-secondary institutions, licensed retirement homes, women’s shelters, and congregate group homes. Learn more in the Government of Ontario news release.

Children aged 5 to 11 will receive a pediatric dose of 10 micrograms (1/3 of the adult dose). This dose provides children with the same level of protection as the higher doses needed for adolescents and adults. Younger children’s immune systems can mount a more robust response to a vaccine with a smaller dose and have the same type of protection as the higher doses needed for adolescents and adults. Children 5- to 11 years old are recommended to receive two doses, 8 weeks apart for optimal, long-lasting protection.

Many COVID-19 cases in children can be asymptomatic or mild, but some of those cases are more severe. Some children infected with COVID-19 can get severe lung infections, become very sick, and require hospitalization.

Without vaccination, all children will likely contract the virus at some point, and children who are infected with COVID-19 can develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome (a rare but serious condition). Benefits of vaccination also include reduced time away from school or activities, with positive impacts on physical and mental health.

For some people, symptoms can last for months (possible long-term effects) and follow them through life. For a list of possible long COVID-19 symptoms visit SickKids web page or Health Canada’s post COVID-19 condition page.

The vaccine also reduces the spread of COVID-19 in the community for people who are at risk for severe illness (the elderly, people who are immunocompromised, and people who can’t get vaccinated). Providing the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to all who are currently eligible, will help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases in our community and schools and allow children to participate in activities that benefit their health and well-being.

Children aged 5 to 11 will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through a variety of delivery channels, including: mass immunization, and pop-up clinics (for example, in arenas, libraries, and other community venues), pharmacies and primary care offices and in some instances targeted in-school and after-school clinics.

School settings

Special consideration is being given to children aged 5 to 11 years attending special needs schools, select schools that service at-risk populations, and where schools may have reduced access or transportation concerns.

Schools were selected based on consultation with school boards and based on community partner feedback. School boards will be communicating directly with parents to provide them details regarding all clinic opportunities as well as booking procedures and consent forms. Children will not be vaccinated in schools without written consent from a parent or legal guardian, or without a parent or guardian present.

Congregate settings

Additional targeted clinics for children aged 5 to 11 years identified as being high risk have also been planned for those living in group homes or other congregate settings (like hospitals), as well as for those with special physical or mental needs, or those that may be homebound or be severely immunocompromised.

Parents seeking information on upcoming mass immunization and pop-up clinics within the Public Health Sudbury & Districts service area can visit our Vaccination clinics for COVID-19 page. Parents and guardians seeking additional information about COVID-19 vaccines and children can visit Public Health Sudbury & Districts Child and Youth Vaccination toolkit, Health Canada’s website, the Government of Ontario’s website or Max the Vax. Parents, caregivers and children can also call the Provincial Vaccine Confidence Line by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1.833.94.3900, or visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service to book a confidential phone appointment with a SickKids clinician.

Parents or guardians of children aged 5 to 11 will be asked to provide consent on behalf of their child at the time of the appointment or fill out a paper consent form for their child. Consent forms will be provided online and in paper at clinics.

Like any other vaccine or medication, there are potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, although not everyone experiences them. Individuals who experience side effects mostly reported them as being mild and within the first two days after vaccination. The most common side effects include:

• pain at the injection site
• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• joint pain
• chills, and
• mild fever

Side effects can be a sign that your body is working to develop your immunity and usually resolve within a day or two. Even if your child experiences mild side effects, it is important they receive the second dose. Keep in mind: they may or may not have the same side effects with their second dose.

It is important to note that for children 5 to 11 years old, the vaccine will be 1/3 of the adult dose (10 micrograms vs 30 micrograms for those aged 12 and over). Younger children’s immune systems can provide a more robust response to a vaccine with a smaller dose and have the same type of protection as the higher doses needed for adolescents and adults.

In the clinical trial of this age group there were no reports of myocarditis or pericarditis three months after dose two. Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been typically reported in males 18 to 39 after their second dose of the Moderna Spikevax vaccine.

All vaccines approved by Health Canada go through the same approval process. Even after approval, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada will continuously monitor the vaccines over time to ensure the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.

A number of cases of myocarditis/pericarditis following immunization with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been reported in Ontario, Canada, and internationally. Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been typically reported in males 18 to 39 after their second dose of the Moderna Spikevax vaccine (Public Health Ontario, PDF). Cases have experienced mild illness and symptoms improved quickly (they responded well to rest and general medical care—such as anti-inflammatory medications).

The list of possible causes or triggers for myocarditis/pericarditis is broad and includes both infectious (for example, recent viral, bacterial, fungal, tuberculosis, parasitic infection), and non-infectious triggers (for example auto-immune, connective tissue disease, metabolic (for example, renal), malignancy, trauma, toxins, drug-induced). At this time, the Varicella (smallpox) vaccination is the only vaccine that has ever been conclusively linked to myocarditis.

Myocarditis and pericarditis have also been associated with recent COVID-19 infection. Currently, it has been observed that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 infection increased in both males and females under the age of 40 years. Specifically, in young male adolescents and adults ages 18 to 39 years old.

Moderately to severely immunocompromised children aged 5 to 11 years are recommended to receive a three-dose primary series. Eligible individuals aged 5 to 11 years should be given the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (10mcg). However, consideration for use of the Moderna Spikevax (50mcg) vaccine may be provided for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals ages 6 to11 years. Research shows from adult populations, that Moderna Spikevax (100mcg) may result in higher vaccine effectiveness (better protection)  and is associated with a higher number of antibodies being developed among adult immunocompromised patients. Given the potential benefit, administration of the Moderna Spikevax (50mcg) vaccine as a three-dose primary series in this population can be considered and is outlined in the product monograph (ModernaTX, Inc., PDF).