COVID-19 Vaccine

Last revised: December 9, 2022

Translate this site using Google Translate in 简体中文, Español, اللغة العربية,  soomaali, and other languages.

Getting your vaccine

Who can receive the vaccine

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

• Everyone six months or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Children aged 6 months to 4 years getting the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, require 3 doses to complete a primary series.

• All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive further doses as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against    COVID-19.
How can individuals access the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine?

You cannot book through the provincial portal. Booking will be through your local public health unit. Use this online form to register for a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination web page to learn more about the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can receive a three dose primary series?

A ‘three-dose’ primary series refers to a series of three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to make up a primary series offered to those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable. A third dose is added to the standard two-dose “primary vaccine series” to improve the immune response and establish an adequate level of protection for those who did not develop immunity or did not develop an optimal immune response after a 2-dose primary series.
Some individuals who are immunocompromised can get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks after their second dose as part of an extended primary series. Note that in some cases the interval may be shortened as advised by your health care provider or specialist.
Please see COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (gov.on.ca) for more information on eligibility for a three-dose primary series.
The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (eight weeks) after the second dose.
Ottawa residents who meet these criteria must present one of the following to receive their third dose:

  • A letter from their specialist or hospital program; or
  • Current prescription package, label or pharmacy receipt of an immunosuppressant medication listed by the Ontario government. The prescription must clearly label: patient name, name of medication, date of dispensing, and name of prescribing doctor.
Who can receive a booster?

Vaccination and practising public health measures like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying homewhen sick, remain our strongest defense against COVID-19.

OPH recommends booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those who are eligible. Use the provincial Booster Dose Eligibility Tool to find out if you are eligible.

Booster eligibility:

  • Booster doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are recommended in Ontario for anyone aged 5 years and older if at least 168 days (approximately six months) have passed since their previous dose or COVID-19 infection.
    • Individuals must be at least five years old on the day they receive the vaccine.
    • Children aged 5 to 11 years are only eligible for one booster dose following the primary series, at this time. They will receive the Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • As of October 17, 2022, all Ontarians aged 12 years and older are eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 booster dose.
  • Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
  • Individuals may choose to receive a booster dose as early as three months (84 days) after their previous dose with informed consent.
  • As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, longer intervals between doses has shown to result in better immune response and somewhat better vaccine effectiveness than shorter intervals. Consult your health care provider for individual recommendations and to assess personal risks and benefits of receiving vaccination earlier.
  • Residents are encouraged to make an appointment or drop-in to one of the community clinics.
  • Eligible individuals can book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
  • Appointments can also be made with local pharmacies. Some primary care physicians are also providing booster doses.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all individuals 65 years of age and older and individuals 12 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received. All other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.

Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends that the following vulnerable groups book a bivalent COVID-19 booster appointment as soon as possible (at the shortened interval of three months) to protect themselves this fall as more people spend time indoors: 

  • individuals aged 65 and over; 
  • residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; 
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; 
  • Individuals 12 years of age and older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 including moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals; 
  • pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and 
  • health care workers aged 18 and over.
  • For more information see: 

Ontario Government: All Ontarians Aged 12+ Eligible for Bivalent Booster

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization: An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEON IMMUNIZATION (NACI) STATEMENT OF OCTOBER 7, 2022 Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

 

Book an appointment at a community clinic

You can use the online provincial booking system or call the Provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) to schedule an appointment at your local community clinic. The vaccination clinic locations in Ottawa were selected with accessibility being the main consideration.

Book a vaccine

COVID-19 vaccination for children is ongoing in Ottawa

Everyone aged six months or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For the latest news, visit our COVID-19 vaccination and children web page.

Vaccine locations in Ottawa

If you are looking for more information before getting the COVID-19 vaccine, our clinic staff are always happy to answer your questions. Come chat with us at any community clinic!

Community clinics

Residents are encouraged to make an appointment as drop-in availability will be limited at community vaccine clinics.

Please note: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics.

Community clinic  Address Hours of operation

Orleans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA

 265 Centrum Boulevard
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Century Public School

 8 Redpine Drive
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Kanata Recreation Complex 

 100 Charlie Rogers Place
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Tom Brown Arena

 141 Bayview Road
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

How to book appointment:

  • Book appointment or call 1-833-943-3900.
    • If you do not have a valid health card but are eligible for a vaccine, please call Ottawa Public Health at 613-691-5505 to book an appointment.

Individuals served

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

• Everyone six months or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Children aged 6 months to 4 years getting the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, require 3 doses to complete a primary series.

• All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive further doses as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against    COVID-19.
How can individuals access the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine?

You cannot book through the provincial portal. Booking will be through your local public health unit. Use this online form to register for a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination web page to learn more about the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can receive a three dose primary series?

A ‘three-dose’ primary series refers to a series of three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to make up a primary series offered to those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable. A third dose is added to the standard two-dose “primary vaccine series” to improve the immune response and establish an adequate level of protection for those who did not develop immunity or did not develop an optimal immune response after a 2-dose primary series.
Some individuals who are immunocompromised can get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks after their second dose as part of an extended primary series. Note that in some cases the interval may be shortened as advised by your health care provider or specialist.
Please see COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (gov.on.ca) for more information on eligibility for a three-dose primary series.
The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (eight weeks) after the second dose.
Ottawa residents who meet these criteria must present one of the following to receive their third dose:

  • A letter from their specialist or hospital program; or
  • Current prescription package, label or pharmacy receipt of an immunosuppressant medication listed by the Ontario government. The prescription must clearly label: patient name, name of medication, date of dispensing, and name of prescribing doctor.
Who can receive a booster?

Vaccination and practising public health measures like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying homewhen sick, remain our strongest defense against COVID-19.

OPH recommends booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those who are eligible. Use the provincial Booster Dose Eligibility Tool to find out if you are eligible.

Booster eligibility:

  • Booster doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are recommended in Ontario for anyone aged 5 years and older if at least 168 days (approximately six months) have passed since their previous dose or COVID-19 infection.
    • Individuals must be at least five years old on the day they receive the vaccine.
    • Children aged 5 to 11 years are only eligible for one booster dose following the primary series, at this time. They will receive the Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • As of October 17, 2022, all Ontarians aged 12 years and older are eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 booster dose.
  • Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
  • Individuals may choose to receive a booster dose as early as three months (84 days) after their previous dose with informed consent.
  • As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, longer intervals between doses has shown to result in better immune response and somewhat better vaccine effectiveness than shorter intervals. Consult your health care provider for individual recommendations and to assess personal risks and benefits of receiving vaccination earlier.
  • Residents are encouraged to make an appointment or drop-in to one of the community clinics.
  • Eligible individuals can book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
  • Appointments can also be made with local pharmacies. Some primary care physicians are also providing booster doses.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all individuals 65 years of age and older and individuals 12 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received. All other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.

Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends that the following vulnerable groups book a bivalent COVID-19 booster appointment as soon as possible (at the shortened interval of three months) to protect themselves this fall as more people spend time indoors: 

  • individuals aged 65 and over; 
  • residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; 
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; 
  • Individuals 12 years of age and older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 including moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals; 
  • pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and 
  • health care workers aged 18 and over.
  • For more information see: 

Ontario Government: All Ontarians Aged 12+ Eligible for Bivalent Booster

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization: An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEON IMMUNIZATION (NACI) STATEMENT OF OCTOBER 7, 2022 Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

 

Vaccine offered: 

  • Pfizer-BioNtech Comirnaty and/or Moderna Spikevax

Important: You may receive a different mRNA vaccine for your second dose depending on vaccine supply and availability. Interchanging mRNA vaccines is safe and effective and the priority is to receive two doses of a vaccine to complete the series and be fully protected.  

Please note:

  • You must be five years or older to get the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine
  • You must be six months or older on the day of your appointment to get a Moderna Spikevax vaccine
    • There is a pediatric dose of the Moderna Spikevax vaccine available for children six months to five years

Additional information:

When you book your appointments through the provincial booking system, you will receive a confirmation code. Please bring this code with you when you go to your appointments. If you do not have a confirmation code, your appointments were not successfully completed. Please revisit the provincial booking system or call 1-833-943-3900 to book your appointments and receive your confirmation code.

How to prepare for vaccination:

Take a tour of our COVID-19 vaccination clinic:

To align with Public Health Ontario guidance, the chairs in our waiting areas are cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis throughout the day. More information can be found at Public Health Ontario.

How to cancel your appointment:

If your vaccine appointment was booked through the Province, you may cancel your appointment by following the steps outlined in the confirmation email you received at the time you made your appointment or use this link. Otherwise, you may do-so by calling 1-833-943-3900.
6 months to under 12 years COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Six months to under 12 years COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Clinic Address Hours of operation


Orléans Client Service Centre

 255 Centrum Boulevard
  • Friday November 25, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Wednesday November 30, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Friday December 9, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Wednesday December 14, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10pm

  • Friday December 23, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
The Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre 2260 Walkley Road
  • Friday November 25, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
  • Thursday December 1, 2022: 12:45 am to 7:10 pm

  • Wednesday December 7, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10pm

  • Saturday December 17, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm     

  • Thursday December 22, 2022: 12:45 am to 7:10 pm                                             
Kanata Seniors Centre 2500 Campeau Drive
  • Saturday November 26, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Thursday December 8, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Saturday December 17, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Tom Brown Arena

141 Bayview Road
  • Thursday December 8, 2022: 12:45 am to 7:10 pm

West Carleton Community Complex 

5670 Carp Road (Kinburn)
  • Saturday December 3, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
  • Friday December 16, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

J.H Putman 

2051 Bel-Air Drive
  • Friday November 25, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
  • Saturday November 26, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Tuesday November 29, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Thursday December 1, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Friday December 2, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Tuesday December 6, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Saturday December 10, 2022: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

  • Tuesday December 13, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Thursday December 15, 2022: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

  • Tuesday December 20, 2022: 12:45 am to 7:10 pm
  • Wednesday December 21, 2022: 12:45 am to 7:10 pm

 
Switch Health bivalent COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Two Bio-Test Laboratory locations in Ottawa are offering the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster for all eligible residents, by appointment only. For additional information and to book an appointment visit the Switch Health website. Please enter “Ottawa” in the search bar to access these clinics and book an appointment.

Bells Corners

Bio-Test Laboratory

2006 Robertson Road
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4pm
Smyth Medical Centre

Bio-Test Laboratory

1929 Russell Road, Suite 102
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4pm
Kids Come First Health Team vaccination clinics

CHEO is working with its Kids Come First Health Team partners, including Ottawa Public Health, physicians and families to help vaccinate as many children as possible.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics.

Individuals served:

The Kids Come First Health Team will be holding vaccination clinics at CHEO for children six months to 11 years old who cannot attend a community vaccination clinic. Reasons a child may have difficulty receiving their vaccination in the community include:

  • being immunocompromised
  • having medical complexities or technology dependency that make it difficult to attend a clinic in the community (e.g. tracheostomy, ventilator, uncontrolled seizure disorder)
  • having a condition that makes it challenging to be in crowded spaces (e.g. anxiety, autism)
  • other medical reasons that are not listed above, but make it challenging for the child to be vaccinated in the community

The clinic will be open to eligible children and their household members.

If your six months to 11 year old child meets the criteria above, we encourage you to pre-register for their COVID-19 vaccine through the Kids Come First Health Team’s upcoming vaccination clinics.

Please note, that pre-registration does not mean you are booking an appointment.

For additional information visit the Kids Come First Health Team vaccination clinics web page.

Mobile Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics

Mobile clinics are intended to help reduce barriers for residents who would like to receive the vaccine by working with community leaders to provide comfortable, convenient and easily accessible options for vaccination. This is just one more initiative to help ensure that anyone aged five or older in Ottawa, who wants the COVID-19 vaccine, can get vaccinated.  

Organizations serving vulnerable populations, congregate care settings, and/or organizations willing to support a clinic for residents experiencing barriers can reach out by: 

Based on your group’s needs, Ottawa Public Health will coordinate the planning and can set up a mobile team, assist in promotion of your mobile vaccine clinic, and even help answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. Services can be provided in a variety of languages. A limited number of mobile clinics are available Tuesdays through Saturdays where residents can access the vaccine with no appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics.

Mobile Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics
Community Clinic Address Hours of Operation
None scheduled at this time

 

 

 

Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs

Public health neighbourhood health and wellness hubs are vaccination locations with Public Health Nurses available to answer questions, provide COVID-19 vaccine information, and COVID-19 vaccinations. Hubs are intended for those living in the surrounding area to receive a first, second or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including for children aged six months and older. No appointment is needed to receive a vaccine or to speak with a Public Health nurse about COVID-19 vaccines. 

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics. 

For the latest information visit: COVID-19 Vaccination and Children - Ottawa Public Health

Location and hours of the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs
Location Hours of operation

Centretown

In collaboration with the Community and Social Services Department (CSSD) Community Service Hub

370 Catherine St

Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 28 and 30

Heatherington

Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre

1560 Heatherington Road

Tuesday to Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Closed December 25 to 31

Ledbury Pavilion

1250 Ledbury Avenue

Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 24 and 31

Bayshore

Bayshore Field House

175 Woodridge Crescent

Tuesday to Thursday from 11 am to 5 pm (Closed 1:30 to 2:30 pm)

Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30)

AMA Community Centre

1216 Hunt Club Road

Note: Use side entrance

Tuesday to Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Hunt Club - Riverside Park

Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre

3320 Paul Anka Drive

Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Closed December 27 and 29

Caldwell

Bellevue Communtiy Centre

1475 Caldwell Avenue

Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 16, 29 and 30

Greenboro

Greenboro Library

363 Lorry Greenberg Drive

Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

December 24 and 31 from 10 am to 12 noon

December 29 and 30 from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 27 

ACB Wellness Centre

African, Caribbean and Black Wellness Resource Centre

610 Donald Street

Wednesday from 1 to 4 pm

Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm

Closed December 24, 28 and 31

St. Laurent-Overbrook

Rideau High School

815 St. Laurent Boulevard

Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

December 28 and 30 from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 24, 27, 29 and 31

Vanier South

Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa (CMHAO)

311 McArthur Avenue

Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 27, 28 and 30

Parkwood Hills

Emerald Plaza Library

1547 Merivale Road

Tuesday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Friday from 1 to 4:30 pm

Saturday from 10 am 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

December 24 and 31 from 10 am to 12 noon 

December 28 from 10 am to 4 pm (closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

December 30 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm 

Closed December 27 and 29 

Elmvale Acres

St Aidan’s Anglican Church

934 Hamlet Road

Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Friday from 10 am to 4 pm (Closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

Closed December 29 and 30

Lowertown

Jules Morin Fieldhouse

400 Clarence Street, East

(Beside the outdoor rink, in the park)

Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 7 pm (Closed 3:30 to 4:30 pm)

Closed December 27

December 29 from 10 am to 4 pm (closed 12:30 to 1:30 pm)

First Nations, Inuit and Métis Clinics

The fall booster dose is available to First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members 12 years and older.

  • Optimal Interval (waiting period): At least six months (168 days) since your last booster dose.
  • Minimum Interval: At least three months (84 days) since your last booster dose.
  • Note: Waiting the optimal interval between doses has been shown to result in a better immune response and vaccine effectiveness. However, with informed consent, you can choose to get your vaccine after the minimum waiting period

Booster doses are available to everyone 12 years and older who meet the eligibility requirements.

Following their primary series, a booster dose is available to anyone 5 years of age and older who meet the eligibility requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health Vaccination clinics.

Clinics
Location Details

Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team

24 Selkirk Street, Suite 300

Hours of operation: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:15am to 4:30pm

Eligibility: Inuit community members (ages six months and older) and staff from Indigenous community agencies

Access: Call 613-740-0999 to book an appointment Monday to Friday 10:30am to 4:30pm

 

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub

 

299 Montreal Road

 

Hours of operation: Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 4 pm

Eligibility: First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members and their non-Indigenous household members

Access: No appointment necessary, but you may wish to secure a time slot by pre-booking.

Other clinics

For a booster dose, you can book an appointment online at a community clinic through the provincial booking system or by phone at 1-833-943-3900; or at select pharmacies.

Proof of vaccination

People who were vaccinated at Akausivik received a paper receipt. Paper receipts are valid proof of vaccination, but if you travel, you may be asked for an electronic vaccine certificate. Akausivik is reaching out to all of their clients to provide updated information about COVax and assist those who want to be recorded in COVax to get a QR code. To get a COVax receipt, please contact Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team at 613-740-0999, by email generalinfo@aifht.ca or visit their website for more information

How to prepare for vaccination

Changing or cancelling a vaccine appointment

If you booked your appointment with Ottawa Public Health, Wabano, Akausivik, a pharmacy or a hospital, please contact them directly to make any changes. Ottawa Public Health can be reached at 613-691-5505.

If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking system, you can reschedule or cancel it online or by calling 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). You will need your:

  • health card (information on front and back)
  • postal code

Vaccine in select pharmacies 

Individuals served:

Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine?

• Everyone six months or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Children aged 6 months to 4 years getting the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, require 3 doses to complete a primary series.

• All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive further doses as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against    COVID-19.
How can individuals access the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine?

You cannot book through the provincial portal. Booking will be through your local public health unit. Use this online form to register for a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination web page to learn more about the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine.
Who can receive a three dose primary series?

A ‘three-dose’ primary series refers to a series of three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to make up a primary series offered to those who are immunocompromised or vulnerable. A third dose is added to the standard two-dose “primary vaccine series” to improve the immune response and establish an adequate level of protection for those who did not develop immunity or did not develop an optimal immune response after a 2-dose primary series.
Some individuals who are immunocompromised can get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks after their second dose as part of an extended primary series. Note that in some cases the interval may be shortened as advised by your health care provider or specialist.
Please see COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (gov.on.ca) for more information on eligibility for a three-dose primary series.
The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (eight weeks) after the second dose.
Ottawa residents who meet these criteria must present one of the following to receive their third dose:

  • A letter from their specialist or hospital program; or
  • Current prescription package, label or pharmacy receipt of an immunosuppressant medication listed by the Ontario government. The prescription must clearly label: patient name, name of medication, date of dispensing, and name of prescribing doctor.
Who can receive a booster?

Vaccination and practising public health measures like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying homewhen sick, remain our strongest defense against COVID-19.

OPH recommends booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine for those who are eligible. Use the provincial Booster Dose Eligibility Tool to find out if you are eligible.

Booster eligibility:

  • Booster doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are recommended in Ontario for anyone aged 5 years and older if at least 168 days (approximately six months) have passed since their previous dose or COVID-19 infection.
    • Individuals must be at least five years old on the day they receive the vaccine.
    • Children aged 5 to 11 years are only eligible for one booster dose following the primary series, at this time. They will receive the Pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • As of October 17, 2022, all Ontarians aged 12 years and older are eligible for a bivalent COVID-19 booster dose.
  • Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.
  • Individuals may choose to receive a booster dose as early as three months (84 days) after their previous dose with informed consent.
  • As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, longer intervals between doses has shown to result in better immune response and somewhat better vaccine effectiveness than shorter intervals. Consult your health care provider for individual recommendations and to assess personal risks and benefits of receiving vaccination earlier.
  • Residents are encouraged to make an appointment or drop-in to one of the community clinics.
  • Eligible individuals can book an appointment through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
  • Appointments can also be made with local pharmacies. Some primary care physicians are also providing booster doses.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all individuals 65 years of age and older and individuals 12 years of age and older who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received. All other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may be offered a fall COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.

Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends that the following vulnerable groups book a bivalent COVID-19 booster appointment as soon as possible (at the shortened interval of three months) to protect themselves this fall as more people spend time indoors: 

  • individuals aged 65 and over; 
  • residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services; 
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over; 
  • Individuals 12 years of age and older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 including moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals; 
  • pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and 
  • health care workers aged 18 and over.
  • For more information see: 

Ontario Government: All Ontarians Aged 12+ Eligible for Bivalent Booster

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization: An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

Public Health Agency of Canada: SUMMARY OF NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEON IMMUNIZATION (NACI) STATEMENT OF OCTOBER 7, 2022 Updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in Canada

 

Find a list of participating pharmacies online and contact the pharmacy for a vaccine.

Please note:

  • You must be six months or older on the day of your appointment to get a Moderna Spikevax vaccine
    • There is a pediatric dose of the Moderna Spikevax vaccine available for children six months to five years

How to prepare for vaccination:

Additional information:

The Province of Ontario has announced that pharmacies in Ottawa will provide COVID-19 vaccinations to residents of Ottawa. Please see the Province of Ontario website for more information.

These vaccinations are separate from Ottawa Public Health and the City of Ottawa’s vaccination roll-out. Please call the participating pharmacies directly to book or call the Province of Ontario Vaccination Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 (TTY 1-866-797-0007) for more information.
Vaccine Appointment Rebooking

Translate this site using Google Translate in 简体中文, Español, اللغة العربية,  soomaali, and other languages.

Attention residents with vaccine appointments booked after August 15 who have received the below email:

This is an important message about your COVID-19 vaccination appointment at ______ clinic location on ______ date and time.
Ottawa’s success in vaccinating a large portion of the population as quickly as possible has allowed the City to consolidate some of its clinic locations. The time and location of your current vaccination appointment is no longer available. To better protect you against COVID-19, we have attempted to contact you on several occasions, by telephone and email, to request that you move your vaccination appointment to an earlier date.

Visit ottawapublichealth.ca to find the clinic closest to you. If you prefer, you can also rebook your appointment at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine or call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.

Please note that your COVID-19 vaccination appointment at ________ clinic location on _______ date and time will be cancelled. By changing your appointment now, you will be sure to get your vaccine at a time and place that are most convenient for you.

Thank you for doing your part to achieve a two-dose summer!

Changing or cancelling a vaccine appointment

If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking system, you can reschedule or cancel it online. You can also call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)

You will need your:

  • health card (information on front and back)
  • postal code
  • If you booked your appointment with Ottawa Public Health, pharmacy or a hospital, please contact them directly to make any changes. Ottawa Public Health can be reached at 613-691-5505.

Back to top

Registering a vaccine received outside of Canada or Ontario, or through a Federal program

If you have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine outside of the Province of Ontario, you may provide your proof of immunization to Ottawa Public Health. Complete the COVID-19 Out of Province Dose Documentation form.

If you have received one or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine through a Federal program while in the province of Ontario (for example military or embassy vaccination clinic) Complete the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Form for Federal Programs.

Back to top

A graph diagram iconVisit our COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard for up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccinations in Ottawa.

 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a viral infection that primarily affects the lungs. Some people may have a mild illness. Others may get very sick, including older adults or those with a pre-existing health condition. Very rarely, some children can get a serious inflammatory condition. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are not fully known. Some people are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 because of their work or living conditions. 

Back to top

Do the COVID-19 vaccines work? 

Back to top

Which vaccines are approved in Ontario?

COVID-19 Vaccine Age range Type 

Doses*

Recommended Interval

(time between doses)*

Potential allergen **

Pfizer BioNTech - Comirnaty

 5 years and older mRNA 2 8 weeks polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Moderna - Spikevax

 6 months and older  mRNA 2  8 weeks

polyethylene glycol (PEG)

 

tromethamine
(trometamol or Tris)

Novavax - Nuvaxovid

 18 years and older Protein subunit 2 8 weeks

Polysorbate-80

 

Medicago - Covifenz

 18 to 64 years of age

Plant-based virus-like partricle

 2 8 weeks Polysorbate-80
Johnson & Johnson - Janssen 18 years and older Viral-vector 1 Not applicable  Polysorbate-80

AstraZeneca - Vaxzevria / COVISHIELD

 40 years and older Viral-vector  2 At least 8 weeks Polysorbate-80

* Many COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. The time between doses varies depending on the vaccine you receive and can also depend on provincial and NACI guidance. 

** See specific vaccine details for additional non-medicinal ingredients 

Back to top

Have a question?

Read our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

More information

Back to top

Respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and colds are circulating in the community. How to prevent respiratory illnesses.an x

Contact Us