The essentials
- Usual timing
- Ontario’s fall program starts at 6 months of age
- How to get it
- Ask a primary care provider or public health unit about local appointments and funding.
Helps reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. It does not prevent every infection, and protection changes with time and circulating variants.
Fall 2026: priority groups, including children aged 6 months to 4 years, have earlier access. General access starts October 26. Check local appointments. Ontario’s 2026–2027 program dates
School status
Available free to eligible people who live, work or attend school in Ontario. Not required under Ontario’s school vaccination law.
Side effects & precautions
Soreness or fever can occur. Older children may have tiredness, headache, muscle aches or chills; younger children may be fussy, sleepy or eat less. These reactions usually settle within a few days. Side-effect guidance
Rare serious reactions include severe allergy, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart). Seek prompt assessment for chest pain, shortness of breath or a racing heart; call 911 for severe symptoms. A previous episode after vaccination needs individual review.
Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat. Not sure whether a reaction is expected? Contact a healthcare provider or call 811 for advice. Seek care promptly if symptoms are worrying or getting worse.
Useful to know
The dose plan varies
Some young children and children with weakened immune systems need a different dose plan. Previous vaccination, infection and health history affect timing. Check the current Ontario program with your provider. Ontario eligibility and dose plans
Where to book
Book directly with a participating pharmacy or healthcare provider. Pharmacy availability for children aged 6 months to 4 years varies; ask before booking. Your public health unit can help you find local options. Ontario pharmacy vaccine finder
Ingredients & more detail
Check the exact product
Ask the clinic for the product name. Its official Canadian product information (product monograph) lists ingredients, packaging, side effects and precautions. This page is a short overview, not a complete safety list.
Your next step
Bring the immunization record and a list of questions to the visit. Ask which doses count, what comes next and how to report new doses to public health.
Sources and references (5)
Program details can change. How this guide is reviewed