Getting a COVID-19 vaccination will be one of the most important and effective things Ontarians can do to stop the pandemic once vaccines become widely available. Ontario’s doctors are sharing their expert advice to ensure Ontarians have the information they need to keep their families safe and healthy.
All vaccine candidates are heavily scrutinized in clinical trials and by Health Canada. The approval process is rigorous. Even after approval, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada continue to monitor the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
The federal vaccine framework determined those most likely to contract COVID-19 and those most likely to die from COVID-19 should get the vaccine first. The framework identifies four groups who will receive the vaccine first: long-term care workers and essential caregivers, long-term care residents, those over the age of 80 and Indigenous communities.
The vaccine was initially distributed at specific centres across the province (starting with The Ottawa Hospital and University Health Network in Toronto). Vaccine programs will roll out in long-term care facilities, rural and remote areas, and local communities in the coming months as more vaccines are approved and become available.
The vaccine is approved for people 16 years of age and older. Clinical trials are underway for those aged 12 to 15, and under 12. It is likely children will be involved in Phase Three of the vaccine distribution (later this year) as further studies are completed.
We still don’t have data on the risks for pregnant and breastfeeding women who get the COVID-19 vaccine. Some pregnant women, such as health care workers, are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 which could impact them and their pregnancy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should assess the benefits and risks with their doctor before getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
You can expect to feel similar to what you feel after receiving the flu vaccine. In the short-term, you may experience minor symptoms such as localized swelling or pain at the injection site. You can also feel unwell or get a headache or fever that lasts a few days.
Health Canada recommends those who have experienced anaphylaxis should avoid the vaccine only if they’ve had an allergic reaction to the first dose of the two-dose regime, or those allergic to one of the components. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid the vaccine. If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility, ask your doctor.
After receiving the vaccine, your body makes a protein to trick your body into thinking it’s infected. Your body generates an antibody, an immune response it will remember if it encounters the virus in the future. While this is a new vaccine, it is not new technology. The messenger RNA response has been used for other medical treatments.
The level of immune response begins to show 10-14 days after the first dose, but clinical trials show that to receive the best response and optimal immunity, two doses are required 21 days apart.
We do not know yet how long it will protect us, but the vaccine will continue to be studied to understand if we require annual vaccines, as we do with the flu shot. The flu vaccine triggers an immune response with a weakened or inactivated virus, whereas the COVID-19 vaccine allows our cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response and produce antibodies that protects us from getting infected.
It may take months or even years to see a dramatic decline in cases following the vaccine. Until we see a significant impact on the pandemic, public health and all levels of government will continue to mandate COVID-19 precautions such as physical distancing, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
Yes. Ontario’s doctors trust this vaccine because it works well and is safe. We encourage the public to receive the vaccine when they are able to. Protect yourself and protect others. Ask your doctor to learn more.