needle being injected into vial of vaccine

This Version Posted: June 27, 2022

Vaccines are now here in the fight against COVID-19. Please read further for more information.

  • Find current COVID-19 vaccination clinics in your area.
    • Walk-ins (no appointments) are now available at Health Unit-run COVID-19 vaccination clinics, as well as GO-VAXX mobile clinic sites in the area.
    • COVID-19 vaccines (including fourth doses for those who are eligible) are also available at local pharmacies and from primary care providers in the region.
  • Find out who is eligible for first, second, third and fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) remain the recommended ones to get.
  • Have questions about COVID-19 Vaccine? Speak to a health professional
  • Received COVID-19 vaccines outside of Ontario? Learn how to register them here.
  • Two new COVID-19 vaccines — the Novavax and Medicago vaccines — have been approved for use in Canada. Both are more traditional vaccines (neither is mRNA based).
  • To get a Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020, and leave your full name and phone number. You must be a resident of Haliburton County, Northumberland County or the City of Kawartha Lakes. You will be called back to arrange an appointment for getting the vaccine. If you live outside these regions, please contact your local health unit/department.
  • The Medicago COVID-19 vaccine will soon be available for those interested in receiving a dose of this vaccine. To book an appointment for a Medicago dose, call 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020. You must be a resident of Haliburton County, Northumberland County or the City of Kawartha Lakes (those who live outside these regions should contact their local health department).
  • NOTE: The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID vaccine will no longer be provided to clients unless they produce a doctor’s note stating there are medical reasons why they cannot get any of the other COVID vaccines.
  • To learn about COVID-19 vaccine safety for children and youth, click here.
  • Ontario no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to attend select non-essential businesses and indoor settings. However, if you still require proof of vaccination or a medical exemption, click here.
  • Employers are also encouraged to develop and implement a workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy to help protect their employees and the public from COVID-19.
  • Need a ride to your COVID-19 vaccine appointment? Click here for options in your community.
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About COVID-19 Vaccine
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How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

Vaccines have saved millions of lives over the past century. COVID-19 vaccines will work similarly to protect millions more. Here’s how:

  • COVID vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses to build protection against coronavirus.
  • It does this by telling your body to make spike proteins.
  • Spike proteins are unique to the virus that causes COVID-1.9
  • Your immune system responds to the spike proteins by making antibodies that can protect you against COVID-19.

The result is that you build up immunity to the virus, allowing your body to fight off COVID-19 more easily.

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Facts on COVID-19 Vaccine
  • COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the coronavirus and cannot give you COVID-19. Instead, the vaccine offers a dose of protection!
  • Like other vaccines, it may take several days for your body to build full immunity against COVID-19.
  • This means if you come in contact with the virus just before or after you complete the vaccine series, you could still develop COVID-19. That makes it important to continue taking COVID-19 precautions until you are fully protected.
  • The Ontario Medical Association also offers additional facts about COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Booster doses help to offer better protection against serious illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
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Possible Side-Effects
  • Serious adverse reactions to vaccines are rare.
  • If you get any vaccine, minor side-effects may occur. These are usually mild and clear up within a few days. Some common side-effects include: pain at the site of injection (even redness and swelling), body chills, feeling tired or feeling feverish.
  • Vaccines are constantly monitored for potential reactions and safety measures are put in place if needed. You can be assured COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective!
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Speak to a Health Care Professional

Make an appointment to talk with a doctor/nurse if you have questions or concerns about receiving the COVID- 19 vaccine. Access these free services:

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Additional Resources

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine distribution, development and safety:

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Resources for Indigenous Peoples

First Nation, Inuit and Metis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members age 18+ are now eligible for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The Province’s recommended time to get your fourth dose is five months (140 days) after your third dose (although you can get a fourth dose as early as three months, or 84 days). Here is a list of current COVID-19 vaccination clinics offered by the Health Unit in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

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COVID-19 Homepage