Infectious Diseases A-Z List

COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting immunized and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, including hospitalization and death, from COVID-19. For the most up to date information on Ontario's 2026/2027 COVID-19 Vaccine Program, visit the Ministry of Health webpage.

When should I get my COVID-19 Vaccine?
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Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine program is now an annual program that follows the timelines below:

  • Fall/winter (October 2026 to March 2027)
    • Specific high-risk and priority populations are eligible to receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the fall. Individuals who are eligible to receive influenza vaccine early can also receive COVID-19 vaccine early.
    • Everyone 6 months of age and older can begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine on October 26.
  • Spring (March to June 2027)
    • Specific high-risk populations are eligible to receive an additional dose beginning in March 2027.
    • Most individuals who miss their fall/winter COVID-19 vaccine dose are not eligible to receive a dose in the spring.

Anyone receiving treatment (i.e. medications or therapies) for underlying medical conditions should speak with their healthcare provider about timing before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?
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Everyone 6 months of age and older who live, work or go to school in Ontario are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine following the timelines noted above.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Infants (beginning at 6 months) and children
  • Healthy individuals
  • Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Residents of long-term care homes and retirement
  • Individuals with underlying medical conditions
Where can I get COVID-19 Vaccine?
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You can get the COVID-19 vaccine when you are eligible at the following locations if they are participating in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program. An Ontario Health Card is not required. It is recommended that you call ahead to confirm vaccine availability and whether an appointment is required.

  • Healthcare provider offices (i.e. doctors, nurse practitioners)
  • Pharmacies - vaccine administration for infants and children 6 months to 4 years old may vary across pharmacies

The Middlesex-London Health Unit will also be offering RSV, COVID-19, and Influenza immunization clinics.

What COVID-19 vaccine will I get? Is it safe?
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COVID-19 vaccines available as part of the 2026/2027 vaccine program have been updated to protect against the XFG variant of the Omicron lineage. The following vaccine products may be available. Please check with your preferred location to confirm availability.

  • mRNA COVID-19 vaccines
    • Spikevax (Moderna) - for anyone 6 months of age and older
    • Comirnaty (Pfizer) - for anyone 12 years of age and older
  • Protein subunit vaccine (limited availability):
    • Nuvaxovid - for anyone 12 years and older

All of these COVID-19 vaccines are:

  • Approved for use by Health Canada
  • Manufactured using strict quality and safety standards
  • Shown to produce an immune response that helps the body fight COVID-19

It is important to get the vaccine when it becomes available to you. You should not delay getting immunized to wait for a specific vaccine product as all of the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.

How can I access my COVID-19 vaccine record/certificate?
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Anyone can view, download and print a record of their COVID-19 vaccines using the Middlesex-London Health Unit's Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) online portal. Individuals can also contact the health care provider office or pharmacy where they received their vaccine.

Note: As of March 13, 2026, COVID-19 vaccine certificates and records of previous doses will no longer be available for print or download from Ontario's Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Portal.

What should I do if I was previously vaccinated for COVID-19 outside of Ontario or Canada?
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Residents of Ontario who received COVID-19 vaccine in another province or country can no longer have these doses added to their Ontario vaccination record, except in the cases listed below.

You should keep their vaccine records in a safe place. Employers, schools, health care providers and pharmacists should accept out of province/country records as proof of immunization.

Exceptions - contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit if:

  • You received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine less than 3 months ago and now need another dose
  • Your child is 4 years old or younger, received a dose in the last 6 months, and needs another dose as part of a primary series.
Where can I get more information on COVID-19 vaccines?
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More information on Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine program and vaccine products is available through the following sources:

References
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Government of Ontario / Ministry of Health. COVID-19 vaccines. (2026) Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2026). COVID-19 (coronavirus disease): Get vaccinated. Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines/how-vaccinated.html

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2026). Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines starting fall 2026: An advisory committee statement from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci.html

 

 

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