When and Where

When and Where to Get Immunized

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Availability Map

COVID-19 Vaccines

Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

School Immunization Clinics

Routine Immunizations

 

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Availability Map

The map below provides locations and information on where the general public can receive COVID-19 and/or flu vaccines in Grey-Bruce. To expand and explore the map, click on the square icon in the top right corner of the map. A full list of locations will appear on the left-hand side of the expanded map. Click on location pins on the map to view additional information.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Getting Your Updated COVID-19 Vaccine(s)

Where can I get the latest COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID and Flu vaccine flyer

 

Grey Bruce Public Health is collaborating with local Primary Care Providers and pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents in fall 2023.

Grey-Bruce residents can receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine from their Primary Care Provider or at participating pharmacies. Public Health has developed a map of local pharmacies and Primary Care Providers that are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public, including those who are at increased risk this fall. Map of Participating Pharmacies.

Grey Bruce Public Health will be holding vaccine clinics this fall for people who are unable to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a primary care provider or at a participating pharmacy as well as those who face barriers to getting vaccinated.

The clinics will prioritize vaccines for children 12 and under, high-risk individuals, and people without a primary care provider. A schedule of GBPH vaccine clinics is available at the following link: Vaccine Calendar.

To book an appointment at a GBPH clinic, please use the provincial booking portal at https://www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/.

Who should receive a COVID-19 vaccine this fall (2023)?

COVID-19 vaccines are available to everybody aged six months and older in Ontario at no cost.

Children and adults are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines if they have received a COVID-19 dose in fall 2023.

Which COVID-19 vaccine should I receive this fall (2023)?

As of Sept. 23, 2023, Ontario’s Ministry of Health recommends that:

  • Individuals aged six months and older who have been previously vaccinated against COVID-19 should receive a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if it has been 6 months since their previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later).
  • Individuals aged six months and older who have NOT been previously vaccinated, may use the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccine to initiate the vaccine series.
  • Immunization with the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine formulation that was approved by Health Canada last fall, is still available. Individuals who wish to receive a dose of this formulation should speak with a health care provider.

Who is most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19?

Immunization is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19. This includes:

  • Residents and staff of congregate living settings;
  • Pregnant individuals;
  • Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit or Métis community and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis, and their household members;
  • Individuals with underlying health conditions;
  • Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities; and
  • Health care workers and first responders.

I have COVID-19 or recently had a COVID-19 infection, should I still receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you’ve been previously vaccinated against COVID-19, you should wait three to six months after contracting COVID-19 (characterized by a positive test or after having symptoms post-contact with someone who had a positive test) before receiving your next COVID-19 vaccine dose.

If you haven’t been vaccinated against COVID-19 or completed a primary vaccine series, you should wait eight weeks after developing COVID-19 symptoms or testing positive (if asymptomatic) before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should wait four to eight weeks between symptom onset or a positive test and receiving a COVID-19 vaccine dose.

How can homebound residents (those who are unable to leave their home) receive the COVID-19/flu vaccine?

Both Grey County Paramedic Services and Bruce County Paramedic Services can provide COVID-19 and/or influenza vaccines to homebound residents in Grey-Bruce as part of their work with the Grey Bruce Supportive Outreach Service (SOS).

Homebound residents can self-refer to receive these vaccines at home by calling Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext. 3910 or they can be referred by their home care provider.

Is there an alternative to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to individuals who are not able or willing to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals aged 12 and up who have not been previously vaccinated against COVID-19 may use the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to complete a two-dose primary series. Previously vaccinated individuals aged 18 and up who are not able or willing to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can also receive a Novavax dose.

Individuals who would like to receive a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine can call Grey Bruce Public Health at 519-376-9420 ext. 3910.

 

Benefits

Why should I get vaccinated against COVID-19?

COVID-19 continues to circulate and evolve. Vaccination remains your best defence against severe outcomes from COVID-19.

Evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death as a result of the virus.

Vaccination is also the most effective way to protect your community, including members at highest risk of severe outcomes and individuals who are unable to receive the vaccine.

Grey Bruce Public Health recommends that all eligible residents get up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.

Why should my child be vaccinated against COVID-19?

In Ontario, children aged six months and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to stay protected from COVID-19. They are an important tool to help prevent serious illness and support the overall health and wellbeing of our children and communities. 

The Ontario Ministry of Health has developed a resource for parents that answers Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth. This resource is available at the following link: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Youth.

 

Safety

Can I receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?

It is safe and convenient to receive both the COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time, reducing the need for multiple visits to a doctor, nurse practitioner or local pharmacy.

Where can I find additional information on the safety of vaccines approved for use in Canada?

Information on vaccine safety can be found on the following Government of Canada website: Vaccine Safety Link.

Where can I find additional information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children?

Information on the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth can be found on the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Caring for Kids website.

I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, should I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes.

COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, is strongly recommended during pregnancy to protect both the person who is pregnant and their baby from the known risks of COVID-19 infection.

More information is available from the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health at the following link: Pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccine information.

 

After Your Vaccine

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

It’s common to experience temporary vaccination-related side effects, which typically last a few hours to a few days. This is the body's natural response, as it's working to build immunity against the disease.

Common side effects can include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
  • Chills.
  • Fatigue.
  • Joint pain.
  • Headache.
  • Mild fever.
  • Muscle aches.

Evidence indicates that vaccines and boosters are effective at helping to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines continue to outweigh the risks of the disease. Source.

Serious side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine are rare. However, you should seek medical attention immediately or call 911 if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms following vaccination:

  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face or mouth
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
  • High fever (over 40 degrees C)
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Other serious symptoms (e.g., prolonged "pins and needles" or numbness) that could be an allergic reaction.

Seek medical attention if you develop chest pain, shortness of breath and/or palpitations (pounding or racing heart), after receiving the vaccine.

For information on allergic reactions, rare side effects that have been reported, and the ongoing monitoring of side effects and reactions, visit the Health Canada website.

Where can I find information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine certificate?

As of October 1, 2022, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter Canada, or board a plane or train in Canada. However, outside of Canada, you may need a proof of vaccination to enter another country, board a plane or train, or participate in some activities. Before you travel to another country, be sure to check their vaccine requirements and restrictions.

More information on COVID-19 vaccine certificates is available at the following link: How to get your COVID-19 vaccine certificate.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccines

Where to get your flu shot:

  • Your primary care provider’s medical office;
  • Your local pharmacy for people over age 5;
  • No physician? No problem! Flu shots are available at pharmacies, public health, and some family health teams – even for non-rostered patients! Get yours today!
  • For more information on this year’s flu vaccine, visit Public Health’s Influenza (Flu) page.

If you don’t have a family doctor, the Grey Bruce Public Health can provide routine immunizations. Nurses are available on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Grey Bruce Public Health in Owen Sound and on the second Wednesday of each month in Walkerton.

The Grey Bruce Public Health building is located near an Owen Sound Transit bus stop, part of the East Bayshore Route. For more information, visit the Owen Sound Transit website.

The Grey Transit Route also provides safe, dependable and affordable transportation options for travelling between communities in the region.

School Immunization Clinics

For information on school immunization clinics, email vpd@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

To submit your child’s immunization information to Public Health, email immunization@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

To speak with a member of the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Team, call 519-376-9420 Press “2” or 1-800-263-3456 Press “2”

To send a fax, dial 519-376-7782

Routine Immunizations

Routine vaccinations for babies, children and adults are offered free of charge.

Please see our Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule (Children and Youth) infographic for information on the free and recommended vaccines available to children at age two months, four months, six months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, four to six years, in Grade 7, and 14 to 16 years.

Routine immunizations are available through local medical offices. If you require immunizations, contact your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner’s office to book an appointment.

If you do not have a family physician, please call Public Health at 519-376-9420, Option 2, to book an appointment at a Grey Bruce Public Health community vaccine clinic.

Keeping our rates of immunization high helps to support community immunity. This ensures everyone is protected against vaccine preventable diseases.

 

Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario

 

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