Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be arriving to at pharmacies and to primary care providers in early October, at which time, individuals identified as high risk will be eligible to receive these vaccines.

To receive a COVID-19 or Influenza vaccine, please contact your local pharmacy or healthcare provider. For those who are unable to access their immunizations through these providers, please contact us.

The general population can expect to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines starting October 28, 2024.

In November, Grey Bruce Public Health will be holding Influenza and COVID-19  clinics for children (11 years of age and younger). Appointments will be required and can be made starting in late October.

To book an immunization appointment at Grey Bruce Public Health, call 519-376-9420, ext 2.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.