Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses like COVID-19.
It is recommended that all residents in the general population six months of age and older receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
For information on COVID-19, visit COVID-19 Information and Resources.
Where can I access COVID-19 Vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccine is accessible through participating primary care providers and pharmacies.
Please contact your pharmacy or primary care provider ahead of time to inquire if they offer COVID-19 vaccines. For any further questions, or if you are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through your health care provider or pharmacy, contact the RCDHU Immunization Line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004 for further assistance.
When is it recommended to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine?
High-Risk Individuals
Individuals who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are able to receive an additional dose of a XBB COVID-19 vaccine this Spring (2024).
These individuals include:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
- Individuals 55 years of age and older who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and their non-indigenous household members who are 55 years and older
All other individuals who have been previously vaccinated are currently not recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose in Spring 2024. This includes those who did not receive a XBB COVID-19 vaccine in Fall 2023, unless they are specifically recommended to receive a dose by their health care provider.
Staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of experiencing severe illness and requiring hospitalization from the COVID-19 virus
Unvaccinated Individuals (no previous doses)
Individuals 6 months to 4 years of age who are unvaccinated (no previous doses) and/or who have not completed an appropriate COVID-19 vaccine series should receive their COVID-19 vaccine following a 2 or 3 dose schedule.
Individuals 5 years of age and older who are unvaccinated (no previous doses) should receive 1 dose of a XBB COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information, visit Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccines webpage.
Novavax NuvaxovidTM COVID-19 Vaccine
Novavax is a vaccine used to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This protein-based vaccine was authorized for use in Canada in February 2022. This vaccine can be offered as a primary series and may also be offered as a booster dose with informed consent. **National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to preferentially recommend the use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Novavax (NuvaxovidTM) is available to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- 12 years of age or older who are not able to receive an mRNA vaccine due to contraindications or not willing to receive an mRNA vaccine.
How to get your Novavax vaccine:
- Individuals who wish to receive a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can call the Immunization Information line at 613-732-9436 or 1-833-773-0004 for further information and to book an appointment.
For more information about Novavax (NuvaxovidTM):
- Talk to your health care provider
- Visit the Government of Canada Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 website
Additional Resources
For Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Resources please go to the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.