General Vaccine Questions & Answers

Why Get Vaccinated

Safe and reliable vaccines can help protect you and your family from 

covid 19. They are an important tool to help stop the spread of the virus, build immunity in Ontario and allow us to safely resume normal life.

When a large percentage of the population becomes immune to covid 19, the spread of the virus will slow down or stop.

The vaccines approved for use in Canada:

  • will help prevent death and serious illness due to covid 19
  • are anticipated to be effective against the original strain of the virus and the identified variants

Until vaccines are widely available and enough people have been fully vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus, we all must:

Get vaccine facts and vaccine safety information in multiple languages.

When can I get my vaccine?

You can find out what groups our local public health unit is currently vaccinating by visiting their website: www.torontocentralhealthline.ca or calling.

Why can’t I get mine now?

Because of limited supply of vaccines from the Federal government, we are vaccinating the most vulnerable people first, including our seniors starting with those aged 80 and over.

We are determined to vaccinate more people faster, but we currently don’t have the necessary supply of vaccines from the federal government to do so.

How will I know when it is my turn?

We are working with local public health units to make sure everyone is aware of when it’s their turn for a vaccine.

You can find out what groups our local public health unit is currently vaccinating by visiting their website www.torontocentralhealthline.ca or calling them at: 416-506-9888;

How can I book an appointment?

As of March 15, Ontario has launched its provincial booking system.

People 80 years of age or older (or family and friends booking an appointment on their behalf) can now go online at http://www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine to book their appointment.

You can also call the Provincial Vaccine information Line at 1-888-999-6488 if you are unable to access or not comfortable using the online booking tool or to get information you need.

What do I need to book an appointment?

To book an appointment you need a green Ontario health card, your birth date, postal code and an email address and/or a phone number. Expired health cards will be accepted.

If you have a red and white health card, you can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 to book an appointment

What if I don’t have a health card?

Our local public health unit will work with you to confirm your information to book an appointment.

Online: www.torontocentralhealthline.ca

How Is the Vaccine Being Distributed?

The covid 19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force is advising Ontario as it plans the immunization program and delivers vaccines.

The task force is advising and providing recommendations on:

  • how to deliver, store and distribute vaccines
  • support for partners in the health care system to deliver vaccinations in phases, beginning with vulnerable populations
  • clinical guidance to administer the vaccine and track vaccine uptake
  • reporting data and technology to provide timely, relevant and accurate information to health care providers, decision-makers and the public
  • public education and community outreach efforts to encourage people to get the vaccine

Pharmacy Questions

Can I get my vaccine in a pharmacy?

Ontario has started to offer vaccines in pharmacies in Toronto for people aged 60 to 64.

This is great news that offers another convenient choice for people.

We are determined to expand to more pharmacies but first we need more vaccines from the federal government to do so.

Why only people aged 60 to 64?

The Federal Government’s experts recommended the vaccine we are offering in pharmacies (AstraZeneca) be given to people under the age of 65.

To start we are using the limited doses we have with the oldest people eligible.

We are determined to expand to more people but need more vaccines from the federal government to do so.

Which pharmacies have vaccines?

Vaccines are available in select pharmacies in Toronto. You can go online to see which locations are participating: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

How do I book a vaccine in a pharmacy?

Pharmacies are booking directly.

You can go online to find participating pharmacies and how to book: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations

I’m 60 to 64 / turning 60 but was turned away. Why?

Pharmacies have been told that anyone who is 60 to 64 or will be this year is eligible.

You can try booking again.

When will more pharmacies have vaccines?

We are determined to expand to more pharmacies but need more vaccines from the federal government to do so.

Primary Care / Doctors’ Offices Questions

Can I get my vaccine at my doctor’s office?

Ontario has started to offer vaccines in some doctors’ offices and clinics in Toronto, for people aged 60 to 64. Only doctors in high covid-19 affected neighborhoods are being provided with vaccines. Your family doctor may not have been provided with vaccines so do not call your family doctor to book an appointment.

How will I know if I can get a vaccine at my doctor’s office?

Doctors are contacting their eligible patients directly.

If you’re eligible and your doctor has vaccine you will get a call from your doctor. This may take some time until we get more vaccines from the federal government.

Health Condition Questions

If have a health condition can I get a vaccine now?

Right now, people aged 80 and over are being vaccinated.

People with certain health conditions are part of phase two of our plan and can expect to get their vaccine in the coming weeks.

What health conditions do you need to have to get a vaccine?

People with certain health conditions are part of phase two of our plan and can expect to get their vaccine in the coming weeks.

A list of health conditions to receive the vaccine in phase two of our plan can be found here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine-ontario.

Where will I get the vaccine if I have this condition?

The province is working with frontline health care providers to ensure people with health conditions can get their vaccines where they usually receive care.

.

Safety Questions

Are vaccines safe? How can you know?

All vaccines offered to Ontarians are reviewed by the country’s top scientists and approved only if they are found to be safe and effective.

Canada has some of the best experts in the world making sure vaccines are safe.

If you’re worried about vaccines and how they may impact your health, you should talk to your doctor.

I’ve heard you’re extending the time between doses. Why? Is that safe?

Based on recommendations from the federal government’s experts, Ontario is extended the time between your first and second dose to four months. This will allow us to use the limited vaccines we have from the federal government to vaccinate more people faster. We’re able to protect more people faster.

I’ve heard the AstraZeneca vaccine is less effective. Do I have to get it, or can I wait for another type of vaccine?

The AstraZeneca vaccine was reviewed by the country’s top scientists and approved because it is safe and effective

Right now the AstraZeneca vaccine is only available in some pharmacies and doctor’s offices and clinics

If you’re not sure if the AstraZeneca vaccine is right for you, you can discuss this with your family doctor

What we all can do now until we get Vaccinated?

Until vaccines are more widely available, we must all continue to follow public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19covid 19:

Follow the rules during the provincewide declaration of emergency

Sincerely,

Vincent Ke, MPP, Don Valley North

Phon​e: (416) 494-8778 Fax: (416) 494-0110

Address: 2175 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 103, North York, ON M2J 1W8

Website: vincentkempp.com

E-mail: vincent.keco@pc.ola.org