STAY UP TO DATE ON COVID-19 & VACCINE AWARENESS

In general, the side effects for the COVID-19 vaccines are similar to side effects seen with other vaccines. They are usually mild or moderate and resolve a few days after vaccination. Side effects may include body chills, feeling feverish, feeling tired and pain at the injection site.

Like all vaccines, there is the rare chance of a serious side effect (e.g., an allergic reaction). If you have any specific concerns about the vaccines or whether you might be at risk of an allergic reaction you should speak to your primary care provider.

No, you will not get sick from the COVID-19 vaccine. Sometimes, after receiving a vaccine, individuals may experience mild to moderate side effects (e.g., feeling feverish and tired). These are a normal sign of the immune response to the vaccine.

However, if someone were to become infected with COVID-19 just before or shortly after receiving the vaccine they may become sick, because the vaccine hasn’t had enough time provide proper protection against the virus. More information on the COVID-19 vaccines can be found here.

The vaccines are being rolled out using a phased approach based on availability of supplies and decisions made around the prioritization of populations that are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and for more severe disease. For more information, refer to your home province or territory’s distribution plan to find out when you are eligible.

Yes, if someone had COVID-19 they should still receive the vaccine. They may not be immune to the virus and therefore could become ill again. However, if the vaccine supply is limited, initial doses of the vaccine may be prioritized for those who have not previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Experts around the world are closely monitoring the occurrence of variants of concern as well as whether vaccines are just as effective against these new strains. While early evidence suggests the current vaccines are effective, further investigation is ongoing, and the situation will undoubtedly evolve over time.

Current data for individuals with or without evidence of prior COVID-19 infection show that the authorized vaccines are highly effective in the short term against the disease and the need for hospitalization starting one to two weeks after a person receives the first dose. In the case of vaccines where two doses are required, that immunity is further boosted after the second dose.