COVID-19 Vaccine

    Last revised: November 20, 2023

Who can receive the vaccine

Vaccinated in the past for COVID-19

A dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation (XBB. 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine) is recommended this fall for everyone 6 months of age and older if it has been 6 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or known COVID-19 infection. Getting a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine is very important for people who are at risk of getting very sick from the COVID-19 virus such as people 65 years and older, people who are pregnant and people living in long-term care homes, retirement homes, for example.

  • Previously vaccinated for those 5 years and older:
    • Anyone having received at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Previously vaccinated for those 6 months to 4 years:
    • Anyone having received either 2 doses of a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or 3 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine prior.
  • For those 6 months to under 5 years of age who have started but not completed a COVID-19 vaccine series:
    • Their COVID-19 vaccines series can be completed with the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
    • These children should wait 8 weeks (56 days) after COVID-19 infection symptom onset or after testing positive (if no symptoms were experienced) before their COVID-19 dose.

For certain people with weakened immune systems, talk with your health care provider about your risks and benefits of getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine at a shorter interval between 3 to 6 months.

While it is recommended to receive a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, people may choose to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine that was approved last fall. People who choose to receive a dose of one of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines approved last fall should speak with their health care provider about what is best for them.

Note: The XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are available in all OPH clinics that provide COVID-19 vaccines. The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is only available at certain OPH clinics for individuals 5 years and older who choose not to receive the updated XBB.1.5-containing formulation.

Vaccinated if immunocompromised

People 6 months or older who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), because of a medical condition or medication they take, are strongly recommended to receive a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation for the fall (XBB. 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine).

  • Vaccinated in the past:
    • Get a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine if it has been six months since your previous COVID-19 dose or infection (which-ever is later).

 A shorter interval (three to six months) may be considered based on age and risk. Talk to your health care provider about the best option for you.

  • Not vaccinated in the past or who have been recommended by their health care provider to restart the vaccination series.
    • 6 months to 4 years old: get 3 to 4 doses (product specific) of the updated COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks apart; if they have had a recent COVID-19 infection they should wait 4 to 8 weeks (28 to 56 days) after symptom onset or after testing positive (if no symptoms were experienced) before their COVID-19 doses.
    • 5 years and older: get 1 dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine; if they have had a recent COVID-19 infection they should wait 4 to 8 weeks (28 to 56 days after symptom onset or after testing positive (if no symptoms were experienced) before their COVID-19 dose. 

It is important to speak with your health care provider about the timing for you to have the best possible immune response from the vaccine and minimize delays in your treatment. Let the provider giving you the COVID-19 immunization know that you are immunocompromised.

Not vaccinated in the past

People 6 months and older who have not been previously vaccinated are recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine formulation (XBB. 1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine) this fall for protection against COVID-19 infection if it has been 8 weeks (56 days) since their last COVID-19 infection symptom onset or after testing positive (if no symptoms were experienced).

  • 6 months to 4 years old – get 2 to 3 doses (product specific) of the updated COVID-19 vaccines; eight weeks apart
  • 5 years and older – get one dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

While it is recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, people may choose to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine that was approved last fall. People who choose to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines approved last fall should speak with their health care provider about what is best for them.

Note: The XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are available in all OPH clinics that provide COVID-19 vaccines. The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is only available at certain OPH clinics for individuals 5 years and older who choose not to receive the updated XBB.1.5-containing formulation.

Bivalent mRNA Vaccine

While it is recommended to receive the updated XBB.1.5-containing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, people may choose to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine that was approved last fall. People who choose to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine approved last fall should speak with their health care provider about what is best for them. 

The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is only available at the Greenboro Library Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hub for individuals 5 years and older who choose not to receive the updated XBB.1.5-containing formulation. The Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccine is the only bivalent vaccine available in our clinics. Be sure to check the Greenboro schedule on the  Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs website for clinic hours and location in advance of your visit.

Novavax vaccine

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain the recommended vaccines because of the protection they provide and well-known safety profiles. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can be given to people 12 years of age and older older as part of their primary series and to people 18 years of age and older as a booster dose who:
  • Are not able to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine due to a contraindication (for example, because of an allergy), or
  • Who choose not to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination web page to learn more about the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) COVID-19 vaccine.

Booking an appointment

Novavax appointments can only be booked through the Ottawa Public Health booking page. Use this online form to register for Novavax COVID-19 vaccination.

For booking information at all other clinics, visit our Where to get vaccinated section.

 Vaccine(s) received outside of Ontario

Everyone 6 months and older, who have been vaccinated with one or more non-Health Canada approved vaccine(s), are recommended to get a dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 6 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine or infection.

For more information, visit our frequently asked questions on vaccines received outside of Canada, Ontario or Ottawa, or through a federal program. More information is also available in the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance.  

Where to get vaccinated

Ottawa Public Health offers COVID-19 vaccination through local community clinics, neighbourhood health and wellness hubs and pop-up clinics. Please note that masks are required at all Ottawa Public Health vaccination clinics. Find below, more information about each type of Ottawa Public Health clinic.

Community clinics

COVID-19 vaccination is available at community clinics for eligible clients six months and older.

Residents are encouraged to book an appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted as capacity allows. 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

If you require disability-related accommodations, please fill out this COVID-19 Vaccine Accessibility Assessment form at least 48 hours before your appointment (please indicate the time and date of your appointment). With less than 48 hours, Ottawa Public Health will strive to meet all accommodation needs, however, may not be able meet all requirements. Should you need assistance in completing the accommodation request form, please contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-691-5505.

LocationDetailsHours of operation

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

1515 Tenth Line Road

  • Wednesday: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Change of hours:

  • Friday, December 8: 9:45 am to 12:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 20: 3:00 pm am to 7:10 pm
  • Saturday, December 23: CLOSED
  • Wednesday, December 27: CLOSED
  • Thursday, December 28: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
  • Friday, December 29: CLOSED
  • Saturday, December 30: CLOSED

Richelieu Vanier Community Centre

300 Des Pères Blancs Avenue

New Clinic dates:

  • Tuesday, December 5: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Tuesday, December 12: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Tuesday, December 19: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

Tom Brown Arena

141 Bayview Road

New Clinic dates:

  • Wednesday, December 6: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Wednesday, December 13: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Wednesday, December 20: 12:45 to 7:10 pm

J.H Putman School

 

2051 Bel-Air Drive

  • Tuesday and Wednesday: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Thursday to Saturday: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Change of hours:

  • Friday, December 8: 9:45 am to 12:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 20: 3:00 pm am to 7:10 pm
  • Saturday, December 23: 9:45 am to 2:10 pm
  • Tuesday, December 26: CLOSED
  • Wednesday, December 27: CLOSED
  • Thursday, December 28: CLOSED
  • Friday, December 29: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm
  • Saturday, December 30: CLOSED

Tony Graham Recreation Complex – Kanata

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

Change of hours:

  • Friday, December 8: 9:45 am to 12:30 pm
  • Clinic closed on Saturday, December 16
  • Saturday, December 23: CLOSED
  • Tuesday, December 26: CLOSED
  • Wednesday, December 27: 12:45 to 7:10 pm
  • Thursday, December 28: CLOSED
  • Friday, December 29: CLOSED
  • Saturday, December 30: CLOSED

Earl of March Secondary School

4 The Parkway

Use Entrance A-Cafeteria

New Clinic date:

  • Saturday, December 16: 9:45 am to 4:10 pm

Changing or cancelling a vaccine appointment

If you booked your appointment with WabanoAkausivika pharmacy, a hospital or at Switch Health, please contact them directly to make any changes.

If you booked 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
Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs

In collaboration with city and community partners, Ottawa Public Health offers free drop-in services to all residents of Ottawa at our accessible Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs. COVID-19 vaccination is available at select locations. Come speak to Ottawa Public Health and City of Ottawa staff.

View the locations and hours of the Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs.

Pop-up Clinics

Ottawa Public Health is offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines at pop-up clinics in some rural areas and at select after school clinics across Ottawa.
Vaccines will be offered on a walk-in basis only; no appointments needed.

 After School Clinics
LocationDetailsHours of Operation
Severn Avenue Public School 2553 Severn Ave., Ottawa, ON
K2B 7V8

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
4:15 pm – 7:00 pm

École élémentaire publique Trille des Bois

140 Genest St., Vanier, ON
K1L 7Y9

Tuesday, December 5, 2023
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Blossom Park Public School

3810 Sixth St., Gloucester, ON
K1T 1K5

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

École élémentaire catholique Montfort

350 Den Haag Dr., Ottawa, ON
K1K 0W9
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
3:30 pm - 7:00 pm

St. John XXIII School

165 Knoxdale Rd., Nepean, ON 

K2G 1B1

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

3:30 pm - 7:00 pm

École élémentaire catholique Marius-Barbeau

1345 Notting Hill Ave., Ottawa, ON 

K1V 6T3

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Viscount Alexander Public School

55 Mann Ave., Ottawa, ON 

K1N 6Y7

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Arch Street Public School

2129 Arch St., Ottawa, ON 

K1G 2H5

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

4:10 pm – 7:00 pm

W.E. Gowling Public School

250 Anna Ave., Ottawa, ON 

K1Z 7V6

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Rural Clinics
LocationDetailsHours of Operation
Metcalfe Community Centre  2785 8th Line Rd, Metcalfe, ON K0A 2P0 Wednesday November 15, 2023 1pm-7pm
Bearbrook Community Building  8720 Russell Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 3H0 Tuesday November 21, 2023 1pm-7pm
 Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre  2300 Community Way, North Gower, ON K0A 2T0 Tuesday November 28, 2023 1pm-7pm
West Carleton Community Complex 5670 Carp Rd, Kinburn, ON K0A 2H0 Wednesday November 29, 2023 1pm-7pm

Other places in Ottawa offer COVID-19 vaccination such as select pharmacies, First Nations, Inuit and Métis clinics, the Kids Come First Health Team vaccination clinics, and Switch Health clinics. Find below, more information about other places that offer COVID-19 vaccination.

Select Pharmacies

Select pharmacy locations offer COVID-19 vaccination. Pharmacy locations are separate from Ottawa Public Health’s vaccination roll-out. You can find a list of all pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccines, including which vaccines are offered, hours, locations and how to book an appointment online.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis clinics

The Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team and Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health offer COVID-19 vaccination. Please see the table below for location, hours, eligibility and booking information.

LocationDetails

Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team

24 Selkirk Street, Suite 300

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

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 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

 

Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health Neighbourhood Vaccination Hub

 

299 Montreal Road

 

Hours of operation: Thursday 10 am to 4 pm

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

Access: Please book an appointment.

 

Changing or cancelling a vaccine appointment

If you booked your appointment with WabanoAkausivika pharmacy, a hospital or at Switch Health, please contact them directly to make any changes.

 

 Have a question?

  For frequently asked questions: visit our frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination webpage

 More information

   
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