InfectiousDiseases COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines

Please note: As part of a health care setting, masks will continue to be required while attending our COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Who is eligible to receive a fourth dose vaccine?

As outlined by the Province, the following groups are eligible to receive a fourth dose COVID-19 vaccine:

Individuals 60 years-of-age or older:
Individuals must be at least 60 years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a booster vaccine.

A fourth dose will be administered at a recommended interval of 5 months (140 days) or a minimum interval of 3 months (84 days)* after their third dose

First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals aged 18 and over or a non-Indigenous household member aged 18 and over:

Adults must be at least 18 years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a booster vaccine.

A fourth dose will be administered at a recommended interval of 5 months (140 days) or a minimum interval of 3 months (84 days)* after their third dose

*Please be advised that the Province of Ontario recommends waiting 5 months (140 days) after your third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before getting your fourth dose, as this will provide you with increased and longer-lasting protection. However, eligible clients may choose to get their fourth dose at a minimum interval of 3 months (84 days). If you wish to do so and you meet the current eligibility requirements for fourth dose, you can proceed to book a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine outside of the recommended interval and at a minimum interval of 3 months (84 days) after your third dose.

Individuals with high-risk health conditions:

Moderate to severe immune compromised individuals who are 18+ are eligible for a fourth dose/booster three months (84 days) after completing their three dose primary series. This includes:

Individuals receiving active treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy) for solid tumor or hematologic malignancies. Active treatment includes patients who have completed treatment within three months.
Recipients of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy.
Recipients of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within two years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy).
Individuals with moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
Individuals with Stage 3 or advanced untreated HIV infection and those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Individuals receiving dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)
Individuals receiving active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids (refer to the CIG for suggested definition of high dose steroids), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive. Active treatment for patients receiving B-cell depleting therapy includes patients who have completed treatment within 12 months.

Suitable written documentation is required as eligibility will be checked at the time of the appointment. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not receive the vaccine.

Residents of Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH), Retirement Homes (RH), Elder Care Lodges, and elderly living in other congregate settings (e.g. assisted-living facilities, chronic care hospitals)

Fourth doses may be scheduled a minimum of three months (84 days) after the previous dose.
Residents will receive vaccinations on-site at their applicable facility and do not need to book an appointment.

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination after COVID-19 infection

In alignment with NACI released recommendations, the Province of Ontario recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should be offered to individuals with previous COVID-19 infection without contraindications to the vaccine. Below are the recommended intervals between previous COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination for various populations. A longer time interval may result in a better immune response as this allows time for the immune response to mature in breadth and strength, and for circulating antibodies to decrease, thus avoiding immune interference when the vaccine is administered.

Individuals 5 years-of-age and older, infected with COVID-19 prior to their completion -or initiation of primary vaccine series are recommended to receive the next dose of vaccine 8 weeks after symptom onset or positive test.
Individuals 18 years of age and older, infected with COVID-19 after their primary series but before their booster dose, are recommended to receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test.

Individuals 12-17 year-of-age, infected with COVID-19 after their primary series but before their booster dose, are recommended to receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test, provided it's been at least 6 months after completing the primary series.

Individuals 5+ years-of-age who are not considered moderately to severely immunocompromised and with no previous history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children can receive their first or second vaccine 8 weeks after symptom onset or positive test.

Individuals 5+ years-of-age who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and with no previous history of MIS-C can receive their first or second vaccine dose 4 to 8 weeks after symptoms onset or positive test.

Individuals 5+ years-of-age with a previous history of MIS-C (regardless of immunocompromised status) can receive their first or second vaccine dose when clinical recovery has been achieved or greater than 90 days since the onset of MIS-C, whichever is longer.

The recommended waiting times between the COVID-19 infection and vaccination are intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at an immunization clinic, enable monitoring for COVID-19 vaccine adverse events and increase immune response to vaccine. However, with informed consent individuals may opt to receive their first, second or a booster dose after symptoms of COVID-19 have resolved and they are no longer infectious.

Who is eligible to receive a third dose vaccine?

Individuals 18 years-of-age or older can get their third dose 3 months (84 days) after their second dose.

Individuals 12 to 17 years-of-age can get their third dose 6 months (168 days) after their second dose.

COVID-19 vaccine appointment booking form
Online booking is available for the following populations: *First and/or second dose appointment bookings for all individuals born in 2017 or earlier Please note: children must be at least five years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a first dose vaccine. Third or booster dose appointments for individuals who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 12 weeks (84 days) ago including: Adults 18 years-of-age or older (i.e., born in 2004 or earlier). Adults must be at least 18 years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a booster vaccine. Select individuals aged 16 and 17 (must be an active healthcare worker; or, identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 16+). Click here for eligibility information. Third dose appointments for all eligible moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 8 weeks (56 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information. Third dose appointments for youth aged 12-17, including those with underlying health conditions, who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 168 days ago. Fourth dose appointments for all eligible moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who received their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 12 weeks (84 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information. Fourth dose appointments for individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over at least 3 months (84 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information. Eligibility will be checked during the booking process and on your appointment day. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not receive the vaccine.**

COVID-19 vaccine appointment booking form

Online booking is available for the following populations:

First and/or second dose appointment bookings for all individuals born in 2017* or earlier

Please note: children must be at least five years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a first dose vaccine.

Third or booster dose appointments for individuals who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 12 weeks (84 days) ago including:
- Adults 18 years-of-age or older (i.e., born in 2004 or earlier). Adults must be at least 18 years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a booster vaccine.
- Select individuals aged 16 and 17 (must be an active healthcare worker; or, identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Metis and their non-Indigenous household members aged 16+). Click here for eligibility information.
Third dose appointments for all eligible moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 8 weeks (56 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information.
Third dose appointments for youth aged 12-17, including those with underlying health conditions, who received their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least 168 days ago.
Fourth dose appointments for all eligible moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals who received their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 12 weeks (84 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information.
Fourth dose appointments for individuals aged 60 and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over at least 3 months (84 days) ago. Click here for eligibility information.

Eligibility will be checked during the booking process and on your appointment day. Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not receive the vaccine.

Eligible individuals may also book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment through select pharmacies and primary care settings participating in the vaccine rollout.

We strongly recommend online booking. If you are unable to book online, please ask a family member, loved one or friend for assistance. If you are unable to book online, please call 519-753-4937.

If you have questions or concerns surrounding COVID-19 vaccines, our on-site clinic staff can assist you.

For those with questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, have a fear of needles or just need a little bit of extra time, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure our staff have enough time to meet your needs.

Vaccine clinic walk-in schedule

We continue to welcome walk-ins at our vaccine clinics. At present, walk-ins are accepted for:

First and *second doses:

Individuals 5 years-of-age and older
Please note: Children must be at least 5 years-of-age on the appointment date to receive a first dose vaccine.

*Second doses are available only for those eligible eight weeks after receiving a first dose.

Third doses:

Adults 18 years-of-age and older (i.e., born in 2004 or earlier) (84 days between second and third doses)
Youth 12 to 17 years-of-age, including those who have underlying health conditions(168 days between second and third doses)

Please bring your health card (OHIP) or any government issued-photo ID (if you do not have an OHIP card) with you to these clinics. Appointments will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. There must be a minimum of eight weeks between first and second doses.

BCHU Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics:

Lynden Park Mall (84 Lynden Rd., Brantford)
Clinic is located by Entrance #4
May 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 - 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
May 21, 28 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
June 1, 2, 3 - 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
June 4 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Brant Sports Complex (944 Powerline Rd., Brantford)
Located beside the Ministry of Community Social Services, Ontario Disability Program office
May 30 - 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Child and youth vaccine information

Looking for more information on child and youth vaccination? Visit our COVID-19 Vaccines for Children & Youth webpage.

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration

Health Canada has authorized the use of a two-dose Novavax Nuvaxovid® COVID-19 vaccine (Novavax) for adults in Canada. The Novavax vaccine will be administered at a BCHU clinic within Brant and clients will need to be available at a date and time determined by BCHU.

Click here for more information and pre-registration information for Brant residents.

Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

Please be advised that we are no longer taking registration for Johnson &Johnson (J&J) vaccine. As per Provincial directive, the J&J vaccine should be given only to individuals who have contradictions to all other authorized COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. Written documentation from a healthcare provider is required.

If you meet the eligibility requirement for the J&J vaccine, please call BCHU at 519-753-4937 ext 416.

What is the recommended time interval between vaccinations?

Updated provincial guidance on COVID-19 vaccine administration released by the Ministry of Health indicates the recommended interval between the first and second doses of the current, Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccines is eight weeks. There is emerging evidence that longer intervals between the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines result in more robust and durable immune response and higher vaccine effectiveness. For more information read the updated provincial guidance.

In alignment with this guidance, BCHU recommends an eight-week interval between first and second dose vaccines. Our online booking tool offers first and second dose appointments at the recommended 8-week interval.

Please note: A second dose vaccine can be offered at shortened interval of four weeks if the individual receiving the vaccination provides informed consent. Parents or guardians who would like a shortened interval for a child must provide informed consent on behalf of their child to the vaccinator. Individuals who wish to receive a second dose at shortened interval are welcome to attend one of our walk-in clinics.

*If you opt to receive a second dose at a shortened interval, please remember cancel your existing second dose appointment using the unique link provided to you in the confirmation email you received when booking your appointment.

How can I obtain my enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with official QR code?

You are able to download and print your enhanced COVID-19 vaccination certificate through the Province's website. You must have a health card to use this online portal.

Individuals can also call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.

People can save the electronic version of their vaccine certificate with a QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions. In addition, while the current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted, the province is encouraging individuals to download their enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code as an easier, more secure and convenient way to have their proof of vaccination verified. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination when visiting select businesses and organizations.

Please note this website can be used to obtain your vaccination receipt from BCHU. While it mentions online booking, BCHU does not use the provincial booking system. To book an appointment in Brant, please visit our Vaccine Appointment Booking webpage.

For those who do not have access to a computer and/or printer, you can access and print your certificate free of charge at the Brantford Public Library’s Main and St. Paul branches. No appointment necessary.

Individuals who experience difficulties downloading or saving their enhanced vaccine recipet can visit the Province's website for support.

What settings will require proof of vaccination to enter?

On March 1, 2022, the Ontario Government lifted requirements for proof of vaccination but businesses and organizations may choose to still require proof of vaccination upon entry.

How can I talk to my vaccine hesitant family and friends about the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to many members of our community, but there are still those who have chosen not to receive one.

COVID-19 vaccines remain our most powerful tool in fighting this illness and the best way for all of us to return to normal. You can do your part by being a “vaccine ambassador” for your friends, family and your community.

BCHU has designed a fact sheet to help discuss COVID-19 vaccines with those who may be hesitant about receiving one.

Do both doses in a COVID-19 vaccine series need to be the same COVID-19 vaccine?

On June 1, 2021, The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) updated their recommendations on the interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada.

NACI recommends that:

If you received AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD as your first dose: Persons who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVIDSHEILD vaccine may receive either AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD vaccine or an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, for their second dose, unless contraindicated.

If you received an mRNA vaccine as your first dose: Persons who received a first dose of an mRNA vaccine, such as Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna, should be offered the same mRNA vaccine for their second dose. If the same mRNA vaccine is not available or unknown, another mRNA vaccine can be considered interchangeable and should be offered to complete the vaccine series.

It is important to remember that getting the same vaccine for your first and second doses or getting a mixed schedule are both considered safe and acceptable options. Both schedules will count as a full series.

If the same mRNA vaccine is not available due to vaccine supply, you will receive another mRNA vaccine to complete the vaccine series. BCHU will make every effort to provide individuals with the same vaccine that was administered to them for the first dose.

For more information on mixed vaccine schedules, please review NACI’s Interchangeability of Authorized COVID-19 Vaccines.

How do I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your existing appointment(s), you can do so:

online by using the unique link provided to you in the confirmation email you received when booking your appointment(s);

by calling the Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937

We strongly recommend canceling or rescheduling your appointment(s) online. It is done in two simple steps:

Step 1:
You will need to enter your 1) date of birth and 2) email address or phone number used at the time you booked your current appointment(s).

Step 2:
Select the appointment(s) you want to cancel or reschedule. If you are rescheduling second dose, choose a new available date and time.

Important:
If you cancel your first appointment, the online booking system will also automatically cancel your second vaccination appointment You will receive a cancellation confirmation email stating that both appointments have been cancelled. You will need to book both your first and second appointments again.

You can reschedule only your second dose appointment. If you choose to do so, you will be offered another available date that is at least eight weeks after your first dose appointment.

I am having side effects after receiving my COVID-19 vaccine, who do I report this to?

Please report your side effects to your family doctor.

It is important to remember that some people may experience side effects from the vaccine, but they will likely be moderate and resolve after a few days. Some of the symptoms are part of the body's response to developing immunity.

For more information see the "COVID-19 vaccine information" expander below.

What COVID-19 vaccine will I receive at a BCHU clinic?

Currently, BCHU is using the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at its clinics. Vaccine choice is subject to availability on the date your vaccine is administered. Learn more about vaccine development and approval in Canada.

You may also pre-register for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the Novavax vaccine.

COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine locations

You can choose to receive your vaccine at a pharmacy. Please visit the Province's COVID-19 pharmacy vaccine location webpage for more information. Pharmacies are offering the Pfizer-BioNTech (5 years and older) COVID-19 vaccine, and the Moderna (18 years and older) COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is preferentially recommended for those aged 12-29.

Please note, pharmacy vaccine clinics are not affiliated or administered by BCHU. Individuals looking to make an appointment must contact a participating pharmacy directly for information and support with appointment booking.

If you received a vaccine in another province/country:

As per provincial guidelines, individuals who have received a partial or complete COVID-19 vaccine series outside of Ontario or Canada should contact their local public health unit to have their COVID-19 immunization record documented into the provincial database, COVaxON.

Ensuring vaccination information is up-to-date and complete will enable individuals to:

Book a second dose appointment through the provincial booking system, their local public health unit or through participating pharmacies or primary care settings;
Receive an Ontario vaccination receipt; and
Share their COVID-19 immunization records with their health care providers.

If you are a resident of Brant and have received your first, second or all doses outside of Ontario or Canada, please contact the Brant County Health Unit by phone at 519-753-4937 ext. 438, or via email COVIDVaccinationEnquiries@bchu.org to provide your name and contact information. A member of our team will contact you as soon as possible to validate and record your information into the provincial database. Proof of immunization is required to verify the COVID-19 vaccine product received.

Please note an in-person appointment may be required to validate your COVID-19 vaccination. If you do not reside in Brant,please contact your respective heath unit for assistance.

About COVID-19 vaccines

Thanks to advances in science and technology, and an unprecedented level of global collaboration, Health Canada authorized Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine on December 9, 2020 ,Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on December 23, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on February 26, 2021 and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine on March 5, 2021. This news comes after a thorough and independent review determined that all vaccines met stringent safety, efficacy and quality requirements.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for special populations

For those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised or those with autoimmune conditions, please refer to these recommendations.

Can the mRNA vaccine alter a person’s DNA?

No. mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person's genetic makeup (DNA). The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA does not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 vaccines that use mRNA work with the body's natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to disease.

Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?

No. The vaccines do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines teach our immune systems to identify part of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to defend against it, without our bodies ever being exposed to the actual virus.

Do I need to get the vaccine if I have already had COVID-19?

It is beneficial to get the vaccine even if you have had COVID-19, as natural immunity created by defeating an infection varies from person to person. COVID-19 antibodies last for approximately 3-6 months after an infection. This means, you can contract COVID-19 again, and it could hit you harder the second time around.

What are the ingredients in the vaccines? Are they Halal?

The vaccines contain fats, salts, sugars and buffers. They do not contain eggs, gelatin or pork, gluten, latex, preservatives, antibiotics, aluminum, or fetal cells. Serious allergic reactions are rare. Allergic reactions can be treated and are usually temporary. The vaccines are certified Halal by the Muslim Medical Association of Canada and the Canadian Council of Imams.

Has the vaccine been shown to cause Bell’s palsy?

No. A direct connection with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and Bell's palsy, a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis, has not been established. The Pfizer study examined 38,000 patients and found four cases of Bell's palsy among those who received the vaccine, but this is in keeping with the normal observed incidence of Bell's palsy in the population. The COVID-19 vaccine, like all vaccines, continues to be monitored for adverse events.

After I am vaccinated, do I still need to follow all the public health guidelines? Do I still have to wear a mask or face covering? Can I visit family and friends?

Yes. After your COVID-19 vaccination, it is important to keep following safety measures.

Even once protected, you can still carry COVID-19 and pass the virus onto others. After you get a vaccine, continue to:

Wear a face covering in enclosed public places and on transit
Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Stay home when you are sick
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
Avoid contact with people who are sick

I have a physical disability or mobility issue and have no access to safe transportation during COVID-19. How can I get to a COVID-19 immunization clinic?

Please visit the COVID-19 Community Support Finder website for more information.

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​COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines