COVID-19 Vaccine

Last revised: January 24, 2022

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Getting your vaccine

Who can receive first, second or third doses of the vaccine?

Who can receive their first dose?
  • Everyone aged 5 years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses. All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19. 
Who can receive their second dose?

Second doses are available as follows: 

The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is 8 weeks. The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is at least 8 weeks. 
Who can receive their third dose?

Wondering why you should get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination page.

Third (booster) dose eligibility 

The current surge driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, is increasing the likelihood most people will come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and may become ill with the virus. Right now, vaccination and maintaining public health measures, like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick, remain our strongest defense.

Third (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are being provided in an expedited way to protect more people in our community from severe illness and complications due to COVID-19.

Third doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for the following populations if at least 84 days (approximately three months) have passed since their last dose:

  • Individuals aged 18 and over (born in 2003 or earlier);
  • Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults (16+) and their non-Indigenous household members. 

Eligible residents can now drop-in to any Ottawa Public Health community clinic to receive their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents may also book an appointment at a community clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

Please note 84 days (approximately 3 months) must have passed since your second dose before you receive your booster dose.

Three-dose primary series for individuals who are immunocompromised

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.

Contact your health care provider to see if you are eligible.

You might be eligible if you are:

  • a transplant recipient (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
  • receiving stable, active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for a malignant hematologic disorder or solid tumor
  • in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell
  • an individual with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (for example, DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive or are taking specific immunosuppressant medications
  • receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)

The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (8 weeks) after the second dose. Please note both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered. Drop-in vaccinations are available for third doses at any community clinic in Ottawa during their hours of operation.

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.

Residents of Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH), Retirement Homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges, and elderly living in other congregate settings will also be offered a third dose, or in some cases a fourth dose. Ottawa Public Health is working with these groups directly to offer a third dose or fourth dose to residents in those settings 

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

A vaccine bandaid

COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11 years old has started in Ottawa

Everyone aged 5 years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. For the latest news, visit our new COVID-19 vaccination and children 5 to 11 years old web page.

Find your nearest vaccine locations

Please make sure that you are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and make an appointment at a clinic.

Enter your address in the search tool below and click the search button to find your nearest vaccine location.

Note: this tool cannot verify that appointments are available at clinic locations. Please use the booking options provided for the clinics to determine availability.

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

New: As of January 12th, our community clinics will be open for drop-ins to everyone eligible for a first dose, second dose and booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

We’ll be posting clinic availability for drop-ins on our social media channels regularly.

Addresses:

Community clinic  Address Hours of operation

François Dupuis Recreation Centre

 2263 Portobello Blvd.           

  • January 24 to January 27: 12:45 pm to 7:10 pm

  • January 28 and January 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Nepean Sportsplex Curling Rink - Entrance 4

(Operated by The Ottawa Hospital)

As of January 22, an Obstetrician will be available at this clinic to answer vaccine questions at the following times:

  • Tuesday and Thursday: 4 pm to 8 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm
 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
  • Monday to Thursday: 12:45 to 3:30 pm, 4:30 to 7:30 pm
  • Friday to Sunday: 8:45 to 11:30 am, 12:30 to 3:10 pm

University of Ottawa - Minto Sports Complex

801 King Edward Avenue
  • January 24 to January 27: 12:45 pm to 7:10 pm
  • January 28 and January 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

JH Putman School

2051 Bel-Air Drive
  • January 24 to January 27: 12:45 pm to 7:10 pm
  • January 28 and January 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Eva James Memorial Centre

65 Stonehaven Drive
  • January 24 to January 27: 12:45 pm to 7:10 pm
  • January 28 and January 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Orleans Ruddy Family YMCA-YWCA

 265 Centrum Boulevard
  • January 24 to January 27: 12:45 pm to 7:10 pm
  • January 28 and January 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 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 their first dose?
  • Everyone aged 5 years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses. All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19. 
Who can receive their second dose?

Second doses are available as follows: 

The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is 8 weeks. The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is at least 8 weeks. 
Who can receive their third dose?

Wondering why you should get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination page.

Third (booster) dose eligibility 

The current surge driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, is increasing the likelihood most people will come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and may become ill with the virus. Right now, vaccination and maintaining public health measures, like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick, remain our strongest defense.

Third (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are being provided in an expedited way to protect more people in our community from severe illness and complications due to COVID-19.

Third doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for the following populations if at least 84 days (approximately three months) have passed since their last dose:

  • Individuals aged 18 and over (born in 2003 or earlier);
  • Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults (16+) and their non-Indigenous household members. 

Eligible residents can now drop-in to any Ottawa Public Health community clinic to receive their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents may also book an appointment at a community clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

Please note 84 days (approximately 3 months) must have passed since your second dose before you receive your booster dose.

Three-dose primary series for individuals who are immunocompromised

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.

Contact your health care provider to see if you are eligible.

You might be eligible if you are:

  • a transplant recipient (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
  • receiving stable, active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for a malignant hematologic disorder or solid tumor
  • in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell
  • an individual with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (for example, DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive or are taking specific immunosuppressant medications
  • receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)

The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (8 weeks) after the second dose. Please note both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered. Drop-in vaccinations are available for third doses at any community clinic in Ottawa during their hours of operation.

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.

Residents of Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH), Retirement Homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges, and elderly living in other congregate settings will also be offered a third dose, or in some cases a fourth dose. Ottawa Public Health is working with these groups directly to offer a third dose or fourth dose to residents in those settings 

Vaccine offered: 

  • Pfizer-BioNtech (born in 2016 or earlier) and/or Moderna (age 18 or older)

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 born in 2016 or earlier to get the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine
  • You must be 18 or older on the day of your appointment to get the Moderna vaccine

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.

Timelines for opening all community clinics will depend on vaccine supply and the remaining community clinics will be opened as supply increases. Once fully operational, these community clinics will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week and have the capacity to administer a total of nearly 11,000 immunizations per day.

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.
After-school COVID-19 vaccination clinics

Drop-in to one of our clinics to talk to a public health nurse or get a COVID-19 vaccine for anyone age 5 and up! The priority for the after-school clinics are children aged 5 to 11 years, their families and household members in the surrounding community.  Those living in the surrounding area who still need a 1st, 2nd or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine are also welcome.    Getting your vaccination will give you greater protection against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. 

After-school COVID-19 vaccination clinics
Date and hours of operationSchoolAddress
January 24, 2022

3:30pm to 7:30 pm

 St. Marguerite d’Youville School 89 Lorry Greenberg Drive
January 25, 2022

3 pm to 7:30 pm

 École élémentaire catholique Laurier Carriere 14 Four Seasons Drive
 January 25, 2022

3 pm to 7:30 pm

  Hawthorne Public School  2158 St. Laurent Blvd
January 26, 2022

4:15 pm to 7:30 pm

  Assumption School  236 Lévis Avenue
January 26, 2022

3:30 pm to 7:30 pm

  St Thomas More School  1620 Blohm Drive

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.

Individuals served:

The Kids Come First Health Team will be holding vaccination clinics at CHEO for children 5-11 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 5-11 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.

Pre-register now

Additional information:

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

Pop-Up Clinics

Ottawa Public Health will be hosting pop-up clinics on an as needed basis throughout the community for anyone 5 years or older who are eligible for their first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. No appointment needed. Drop-ins welcome. Please see below for locations and hours.

Location Date and hours of operation

Calvin Christian Reformed Church

1475 Merivale Road

Thursday, January 27, 2022

9 am to 3 pm

St. Laurent Shopping Centre (in the empty store beside the Linen Chest)
1200 St. Laurent Boulevard

Saturday, January 29, 2022

11 am to 5 pm

Mobile vaccine clinic request

Beginning July 22, 2021, Ottawa Public Health is expanding the way that residents can access the COVID-19 vaccine.  

Workplaces, community organizations, places of worship and other groups can now request a mobile vaccination team to administer first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on-site, at their own location. 

This program is intended to help reduce barriers for residents who have not yet received 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 born in 2009 or earlier in Ottawa who wants the COVID-19 vaccine can get vaccinated.  

If you are a community organization, community leader, faith leader, or employer in Ottawa and have a group of people that may benefit from a mobile vaccination team coming to you, please reach out through the following ways: 

  • Call 613-691-5505 for assistance in completing the form.  

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. Mobile clinics are available Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Sandy Hill Community Health Centre clinic 
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre is working with OPH to increase access to vaccines and reduce barriers to access appointments in the downtown core.
We are currently vaccinating adults 30 years of age and older, providing a safe space to receive a first, second or third dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

Please note, we are currently only offering Moderna.

You can book your appointment online.

We are located at 221 Nelson and parking is free behind the building.

Neighbourhood Vaccination Hubs

Public health neighbourhood vaccination hubs are vaccination locations with Public Health Nurses available to answer questions, provide COVID-19 vaccine information, and COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccination hubs are intended for those living in the surrounding area to receive a 1st, 2nd or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including for those aged 5-11. No appointment is needed to receive a vaccine or to speak with a Public Health nurse about COVID-19 vaccines.

Location and hours of the Neighbourhood Vaccination Hubs
Location Hours of operation

Herongate Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub- St. Patrick’s Former Intermediate School

1485 Heron Road

Tuesday to Friday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Heatherington Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Albion-Heatherington Recreation Centre

1560 Heatherington Road

 Wednesday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Heatherington Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Ledbury Pavilion

1250 Ledbury Avenue

 Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Bayshore Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Bayshore Field House

175 Woodridge Crescent

Tuesday to Friday: 11 am to 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

AMA Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - AMA Community Centre

1216 Hunt Club Road

Tuesday to Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Hunt Club - Riverside Park Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Hunt Club-Riverside Park Community Centre

3320 Paul Anka Drive

 Tuesday and Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Caldwell Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Bellevue Communtiy Centre

1475 Caldwell Avenue

 Thursday and Friday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Greenboro Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Greenboro Library

363 Lorry Greenberg Drive

Tuesday and Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

ACB Wellness Centre Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre

1021 Cyrville Road Unit # 9

Wednesday: 1 pm to 4 pm

Saturday: 11 am to 2 pm

St. Laurent-Overbrook Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Rideau High School

815 St. Laurent Boulevard

Tuesday and Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Vanier North Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre

300 des Pères-Blancs Avenue

Tuesday and Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Vanier South Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Canadian Mental Health Association, Ottawa (CMHAO)

311 McArthur Avenue

 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Parkwood Hills Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Minto Multipurpose Room

1341 Meadowlands Drive

Wednesday: 8 am to 1 pm

Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Elmvale Acres Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hubs - St Aidan’s Anglican Church

934 Hamlet Road

 Thursday and Friday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Elmvale Acres Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Franco-Cité

623 Smyth Road

 Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Lowertown Public Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub - Jules Morin Fieldhouse

400 Clarence Street, East

Wednesday and Thursday: 1 pm to 7 pm

Friday and Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm

 

First Nations, Inuit and Métis clinics

New: Are you an Indigenous community member in Ottawa? Wabano wants to hear from you! Please fill out this Survey.

Booster COVID-19 Vaccination Doses for First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and non-Indigenous household members (aged 16+)

First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults and non-Indigenous household members (aged 16+) are eligible to receive a booster COVID-19 vaccination if 84 days (approximately 3 months) have passed since the second dose. First and second doses continue to be available to everyone ages 5+. It is recommended to wait 8 weeks between the first and second dose to get maximum immunity against COVID-19.

Clinics
Location Hours of operation

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health

299 Montreal Road

 Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is hosting a Family COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples and their non-Indigenous household members on January 28 and 29.
  • Eligibility: Vaccination services are available for First Nation, Inuit and Métis community members and non-Indigenous household members (ages 5+), as well as non-Indigenous employees of Indigenous organizations.
  • Access: First and second doses are available for ages 5+ and booster doses are also available for those ages 16+. Walk-ins may be accommodated depending on vaccine availability, but we strongly encourage you to make your appointment online. If needed, you may call Wabano at 613-748-0657 ext 456 to book over the phone.  If there is no answer please leave a message.
  • Hours of operation: Friday January 28 and Saturday January 29: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11 years old.

Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team

24 Selkirk Street, Suite 300

For Inuit and other community members (aged 16+) who were vaccinated at Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team, and who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 84 days (approximately three months) ago, please contact Akausivik at 613-740-0999 to book a booster vaccination dose. Inuit community members can still book their first or second dose appointments for the vaccine at the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team clinic.

  • Individuals served: Inuit community members (ages five and older), staff from Indigenous community agencies
  • Access: Call 613-740-0999 from Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm to book an appointment
  • Hours of operation: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10:15 am to 5:30pm

Other clinics

First Nation, Inuit and Métis community members who wish to receive their first or second dose of vaccine can walk-in to any community clinic. 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. Please use the vaccine clinic search tool to find a location near you.

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 their first dose?
  • Everyone aged 5 years or older at the time of their appointment is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccines require two doses. All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can, and to receive their second dose as soon as they are eligible to ensure maximum protection against COVID-19. 
Who can receive their second dose?

Second doses are available as follows: 

The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is 8 weeks. The optimal interval between the first and second dose of an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is at least 8 weeks. 
Who can receive their third dose?

Wondering why you should get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination page.

Third (booster) dose eligibility 

The current surge driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, is increasing the likelihood most people will come in contact with someone who has COVID-19 and may become ill with the virus. Right now, vaccination and maintaining public health measures, like masking, avoiding gatherings, and staying home when sick, remain our strongest defense.

Third (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are being provided in an expedited way to protect more people in our community from severe illness and complications due to COVID-19.

Third doses (booster doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended for the following populations if at least 84 days (approximately three months) have passed since their last dose:

  • Individuals aged 18 and over (born in 2003 or earlier);
  • Individuals who received a complete series of a viral vector vaccine (two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine); and
  • First Nation, Inuit and Métis adults (16+) and their non-Indigenous household members. 

Eligible residents can now drop-in to any Ottawa Public Health community clinic to receive their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents may also book an appointment at a community clinic through the Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. 

Please note 84 days (approximately 3 months) must have passed since your second dose before you receive your booster dose.

Three-dose primary series for individuals who are immunocompromised

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.

Contact your health care provider to see if you are eligible.

You might be eligible if you are:

  • a transplant recipient (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
  • receiving stable, active treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for a malignant hematologic disorder or solid tumor
  • in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell
  • an individual with moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (for example, DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
  • Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive or are taking specific immunosuppressant medications
  • receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)

The third dose of vaccine will be given at least two months (8 weeks) after the second dose. Please note both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered. Drop-in vaccinations are available for third doses at any community clinic in Ottawa during their hours of operation.

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.

Residents of Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH), Retirement Homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges, and elderly living in other congregate settings will also be offered a third dose, or in some cases a fourth dose. Ottawa Public Health is working with these groups directly to offer a third dose or fourth dose to residents in those settings 

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

Vaccination offered: 

  • Pfizer-BioNtech (born in 2016 or earlier) and/or Moderna (age 18 or older)
Please note:
  • You must be born in 2016 or earlier to get the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine
  • You must be 18 or older on the day of your appointment to get the Moderna vaccine

Addresses:

  • Various locations
  • Enter your address in the search tool above and click the search button to find your nearest vaccine locations.

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.

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

⚠ There is currently a backlog of vaccine receipt upload requests. Ottawa Public Health is working diligently to confirm documentation as quickly as possible. You will receive an email once your file is completed.

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.

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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. 

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Do the COVID-19 vaccines work? 

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Which vaccines are approved in Canada?

COVID-19 Vaccine Age range Type 

Doses*

Recommended Interval

(time between doses)*

Potential allergen **

Pfizer BioNTech

 Born in 2016 or earlier mRNA 2 8 weeks polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Moderna

 18 years and older   mRNA 2  8 weeks

polyethylene glycol (PEG)

 

tromethamine
(trometamol or Tris)
AstraZeneca 40 years and older Viral-vector  2 At least 8 weeks Polysorbate-80
Janssen 18 years and older Viral-vector  1  N/A 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 

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Have a question?

Read our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

More information

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