FAQ

Select a category from the dropdown menu to browse frequently asked questions by topic, or search the entire FAQ or a specific category by keyword.

Where can I get the influenza (flu) vaccine?
Influenza vaccines are available during the influenza season through public health clinics, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and travel clinics. Pharmacists can give seasonal influenza injections (shots) to children aged 5 and older, and may offer influenza immunizations by intranasal route to children 2 years and older. Please check your local pharmacy to confirm.
 
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Where can I get the ShingrixⓇ vaccine?
You can buy the shingrix vaccine at some pharmacies and travel clinics. It costs about $150/dose. It’s best to call ahead to ask about vaccine availability. 
 
Some health insurance plans may pay for the cost of the vaccine. Check with your insurance provider. If you are covered by First Nations Health Benefits, please go here.
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Where can I get the HPV vaccine? I am not eligible for the free one.

Anyone who is not eligible for a free HPV vaccine can buy it at most pharmacies and travel clinics. Options for Sexual Health clinics also provide the HPV vaccine in some communities. Find an Options for Sexual Health clinic near you. 

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We have just moved here and I don’t have MSP coverage or a care card for my children. Is there somewhere they can get vaccinated for free?
Your children can get vaccines that are routinely recommended for children in BC for free at your local *health unit. MSP coverage or a care card is not needed. 
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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Where can I or my family get travel vaccines?
You can get travel vaccines at travel health clinics, most pharmacies, and some doctors’ offices. For the yellow fever vaccine, you will need to go to a designated yellow fever vaccination centre. 
 
You have to pay for most travel vaccines. 
 
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Can I or my child still get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The pandemic has affected where and how services are delivered and services vary throughout BC. Call your local *health unit for advice on where to get the vaccines you need. Ask to speak to a public health nurse.
 
If you or your child usually get immunized at your doctor’s office and they are closed, please contact your local *health unit to make an appointment.
 
When immunization services are stopped, even for a short time, there is a risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. It’s important to keep immunizations up to date. Delaying vaccines could leave you, your child, your family, and your community at risk for disease.
 
If you have questions about you or your child getting immunized during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact your local *health unit.
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC.
 
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Do I need a prescription for vaccines?

Most vaccines in BC (including all vaccines that are routinely recommended in BC) do not require a prescription.  However, some insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine and may require a prescription for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider. 

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My child is being homeschooled during the COVID-19 pandemic. How can they receive their school-age immunizations?

Please contact your local health unit to book your child's vaccines and tell them they are homeschooled. Due to the pandemic, health units may not be providing immunization for older children when there is the option of going to a pharmacy. Find info about vaccine schedules. 

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Are all influenza (flu) clinics able to vaccinate young children or do I need to make an appointment with my family doctor?

Please contact your local health unit for information on influenza clinics for young children in your area. You can also use our flu clinic locator to find a list of public health influenza clinics near you. Pharmacists can give seasonal influenza injections (shots) to children ages 5 and older and may give influenza immunizations by intranasal route to children 2 years and older. Please contact your local pharmacy for information regarding immunization services as services can vary.

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How are vaccine schedules made?
Before a vaccine is added to the routine schedule, it must first be approved for use by Health Canada.  Once a vaccine has been approved for use, recommendations on how to use the vaccine are then made by Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). This committee is made up of experts in the fields of pediatrics, infectious diseases, immunology, medical microbiology, and public health. NACI makes recommendations for who should receive certain vaccines based on the burden of illness in Canada, as well as evidence about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Their recommendations are published here.
 
The ministries of health in each of the provinces and territories then use these recommendations from NACI to develop their vaccine schedules and recommendations, taking into consideration other health priorities.
 
Vaccines are only added to the vaccine schedule if they are known to be safe and effective. Even “new” vaccines have been studied for a long time to be sure that they are safe for your child and will provide important protection against disease.
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Why do vaccine schedules change?
Sometimes vaccine schedules change. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as the development of new or improved vaccines, a new risk for disease, or new research on an existing vaccine.
 
Examples:
  • The rotavirus vaccine is a fairly new vaccine and was added to the routine schedule in 2012 to protect children against a group of gastrointestinal viruses.
  • The hepatitis A vaccine was added to the routine schedule for all Aboriginal children in 2012 following several outbreaks of hepatitis A in Aboriginal communities.
  • The HPV vaccine schedule for Grade 6 students changed from three doses to two doses in 2014 after new research showed that two doses provided as much protection as three for this age group.
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Why do children get vaccines starting at such a young age?
The recommended schedule is designed to protect infants and young children early in life, when they are most vulnerable, and before they are potentially exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.
 
Infants and young children are at greater risk from vaccine-preventable diseases because their immune systems are less mature and less able to fight off infection. If an infant or young child were to get a vaccine-preventable disease, it could be very serious and life-threatening.
 
Vaccinating children on time (starting at 2 months of age) gives them the best protection as early as possible.
 
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Why do most vaccines require more than one dose?
Most vaccines require more than one dose over time to produce immunity and long-lasting protection. The number of doses needed depends on the type of vaccine.
 
There are two main types of vaccines: live attenuated vaccines and inactivated/subunit vaccines. Learn what these terms mean below and how they affect the number of doses you need for full protection.
 

Live attenuated vaccines

Live vaccines are made from a weakened version of the germ (virus or bacteria) that causes the disease. When a person receives a live vaccine, the germ in the vaccine multiplies (grows) in the body and stimulates an immune response almost identical to that produced by natural infection. Because it is weakened, the vaccine germ cannot multiply enough to cause disease in people with healthy immune systems. However, live vaccines are not given to people with very weak immune systems as they may develop the disease the vaccine is meant to protect against.
 
One dose of a live vaccine usually produces immunity and long-lasting protection because the vaccine stimulates an immune response that is almost identical to that produced by natural infection. But because not all individuals respond to the first dose, a second dose is usually recommended. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are examples of live attenuated vaccines.
 

Inactivated/subunit vaccines

Inactivated vaccines are made from a killed germ (or parts of the germ for subunit vaccines) that causes the disease. Since the vaccine does not contain a live germ, there is no growth of the germ in the vaccinated person, and this leads to a weaker immune response compared to live vaccines. Due to the weaker immune response, inactivated/subunit vaccines almost always require more than one dose. In general, the first dose “primes” the immune system, and the second and/or third dose produces a protective immune response. These vaccines are safe even for those with weakened immune systems because the killed germ cannot cause disease.
 
Immunity from these vaccines can decline with time and booster doses are often needed to ensure continued protection. The tetanus, hepatitis B, and pertussis vaccines are examples of inactivated/subunit vaccines.
 

Influenza vaccines

Unlike other vaccines, a dose of the influenza (flu) vaccine is needed every year. That’s because every year, there are different influenza viruses that people can catch. As a result, a new version of the vaccine is created every year to provide the best protection against the current influenza viruses. Most people need one yearly dose of influenza vaccine, but children under 9 years of age who have never had an influenza vaccine need two doses.
 
There are live and inactivated versions of the influenza vaccine. The inactivated version (given as an injection) is safe for people with weakened immune systems.
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If my child missed getting a vaccine, do they need to start the series over again?

No. If your child missed a dose of vaccine, they do not need to start the whole series over again. Your child can pick up where they left off, regardless of the time that has passed between doses. However, it is best to follow the recommended schedule as closely as possible. This ensures your child is protected as soon as possible. 

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I can't remember if my child got a vaccine and have no record. Is it safe to repeat vaccines?

Yes. Getting an extra dose of vaccine when an immunization history is unknown is not harmful. It is better to ensure protection by getting the vaccine than risk leaving your child unprotected.

You may be able to locate your child’s record if you have lost it. Find tips on locating vaccination records.
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I didn't immunize my child but have changed my mind. Is it too late to catch up?

For most vaccines, it’s never too late to catch up. There is a catch-up schedule that health care providers use to ensure children are protected as soon as possible.

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Where can my infant or young child get vaccinated?
Your infant or young child can get vaccinated at your local *health unit. Public health nurses give vaccines at health units. Some family doctors and nurse practitioners also give vaccines. 
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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My child is starting kindergarten. Where can they get their kindergarten vaccines?
Your child can get vaccinated at your local *health unit. Public health nurses give vaccines at health units. Some family doctors and nurse practitioners also give vaccines.
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
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Where do school-age children and teens get vaccines?
School-age children and teens are offered routine vaccines at clinics held at their school. These vaccines are provided for free by public health nurses.
 
Those who miss getting vaccinated at school, who don’t feel comfortable getting vaccinated at school, or who are homeschooled can contact their local *health unit, doctor’s office or pharmacy to make an appointment to get vaccinated for free.
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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My child is homeschooled. Where can they get vaccinated?
Children who are homeschooled can get vaccinated at their local *health unit. Some doctors also provide vaccines. Children 5 years of age and older can also get vaccines at pharmacies. 
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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My child is afraid of needles. Are there options for them to get vaccinated other than at school?
Children who don’t feel comfortable getting vaccinated at school or would like extra support can get vaccinated at their local *health unit. Some family doctors also provide vaccines. 
 
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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Where can adults get vaccinated?
Adults can get publicly-funded vaccines (vaccines that are free) from their local *health unit, most pharmacies, and some doctors’ offices. Services vary throughout BC. For example, in some areas health units do not provide adult vaccinations. 
 
Non-publicly-funded vaccines can be bought at most pharmacies and travel clinics. 
 
You can find out which vaccines are free and which vaccines you need to buy in our Vaccines Recommended for Adults in BC handout. 
 
 
*Health units are also called public health units, community health centres, or primary care homes in some areas of BC. 
 
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Do I need an appointment at a pharmacy to get vaccinated, or can I just walk in?

Appointments are usually needed to get vaccinated; however, some pharmacies provide vaccines on a walk-in basis. It’s best to give your local pharmacy a call to find out.

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What do I need to bring other than my child's care card when getting immunized?
You may not need to bring your child’s care card if you have already provided it when you made an appointment at a public health unit but it is always useful to have it with you. If you are attending a drop in clinic at a health unit it will be helpful to have the care card with you so that the nurse can find your child’s record in the computer or so that a record can be created for your child if you are new to the province. If you are getting vaccines at a pharmacy or a doctor, you will need your care card in order to get the vaccines for free. 
 
It is important to bring your child's immunization record with you to the appointment so that the person giving the vaccine can fill it out. If your child was born in BC, you should have received a Child Health Passport that contains an immunization record. If you didn’t receive one, you can request one from your local health unit.
 
There are things you can do before, during, and after the immunization appointment that can help make immunizations easier and less stressful for both you and your child. Find more information here about your child’s appointment. 
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My baby had chickenpox infection during their first year of life. Do they still need the vaccine?
People who had chickenpox before their 1st birthday should still get the vaccine. This is because they may not have developed a long-lasting immunity (protection) and could get chickenpox again.
 
 
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When I got the MMR vaccine I was told to wait four weeks after vaccination before getting pregnant. I became pregnant within 4 weeks of getting the MMR vaccine. Should I be worried?

It’s best to wait at least four weeks after getting an MMR vaccine before getting pregnant because live vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) should generally not be given during pregnancy. They have not been proven to be safe for pregnant people and their babies. There is a theoretical risk to the fetus (baby) when the pregnant person receives a live virus vaccine, however, if you received the MMR vaccine before realizing you were pregnant don’t worry too much. Although getting the MMR vaccine during pregnancy is not recommended as a matter of caution, the risks to you and your baby are low and are not a reason to end your pregnancy. If you have further questions, we recommend you speak to your pregnancy care provider.
 

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How long do I need to wait to get pregnant after receiving the HPV vaccine? What if I got the HPV vaccine before I knew I was already pregnant?

There is no recommended length of time to wait before getting pregnant after receiving the HPV vaccine.
 
The HPV vaccines are not recommended for use in pregnancy because the safety of the vaccines in pregnancy has not been well studied. However, if a pregnant person happens to receive the HPV vaccine, it’s important to know that the vaccine has not been shown to cause any harm to you or the baby. You can finish the series when you are no longer pregnant. The HPV vaccine may be given to breastfeeding women.

If you are planning a pregnancy, it’s recommended that you talk to your health care provider about which vaccines you may need before, during and after pregnancy. Find more information in our pregnancy section.
 
 

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Our family just moved to BC. We do not have my child’s BC Services Card (CareCard) or MSP coverage yet. Can my child still get vaccines for free?
Yes, your child can get routine vaccines for free at your local health unit. You can call the health unit to make an appointment.  
 
Some doctors' offices and pharmacies also provide vaccines (pharmacists only immunize children 5 years of age and older). However, if you do not have health insurance under BC's Medical Service Plan (MSP),  you may be charged a vaccine administration fee at a doctor's office or pharmacy. You will not be charged this fee at your local health unit.
 
It's important to take your child's vaccination records (a list of the vaccines they have received in the past) with you to your appointment.  
 
 
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We are moving to BC from our home country. Where can we get vaccines in BC? How do we make appointments? How much do vaccines cost in BC?
Your family can get vaccinated at your local health unit. Some doctors, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists also give vaccines. Pharmacists only immunize children 5 years of age and older. You can call your local health unit, pharmacy, or doctor's office to make an appointment. 
 
Vaccines that are part of BC’s routine immunization schedules for infants and children and school-age children are free. If you don’t have health insurance under BC’s Medical Service Plan (MSP), you may have to pay a vaccine administration fee for vaccines given at a doctor’s office or pharmacy. You will not have to pay this fee at your local health unit. Some vaccines that are recommended for adults are free for BC residents, and some you need to buy. 
 
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Are human fetal cells used to make vaccines?
Are human fetal cells used to make vaccines? 
 
Some vaccines are made by growing the vaccine viruses in human fetal cell lines. However, the vaccines themselves do not contain fetal cells or tissue. The purification process removes nearly all the cell components so that only trace amounts of DNA and protein may be found in the vaccine. 
Fetal cell lines are used to test and develop many common over-the-counter and prescribed medications, including antacids and cold medications.
 
Why are fetal cell lines used?
 
Fetal cell lines are used with some vaccines because viruses need to be grown in cells, and human cells are often better than animal cells at supporting the growth of human viruses. Vaccine manufacturers may use these fetal cell lines during the following two phases:  
 
  • Research and development 
  • Production and manufacturing  
Fetal cell lines are used in scientific and medical research and in the research and development of most medical products available today.
 
What are fetal cell lines?
 
Fetal cell lines are cells that are grown in a laboratory. They descend from cells taken from fetuses aborted in the 1970s and 1980s that have since multiplied into many new cells over the past four or five decades, creating the fetal cell lines. The fetuses were not aborted to make vaccines. Current fetal cell lines are thousands of generations removed from the original fetal tissue. They do not contain any tissue from a fetus. 
 
What vaccines used in Canada are made by growing the vaccine viruses in fetal cells?
 
  • Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines
  • Hepatitis A vaccines (including TwinrixⓇ) and the travel vaccine VivaximⓇ, which protects against typhoid and hepatitis A)
  • Rubella vaccines (given as measles, mumps, rubella and measles, mumps, rubella, varicella)
  • One rabies vaccine (ImovaxⓇ Rabies)
  • One shingles vaccine (ZostavaxⓇ II)
There are two COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in Canada that are made using fetal cells: the AstraZeneca (VaxzevriaTM) vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson (JanssenTM) vaccine. Although fetal cells are not used to make the Moderna (SpikevaxTM) and Pfizer-BioNTech (ComirnatyTM) COVID-19 vaccines, they were used in the very early stages of development of these vaccines to test 'proof of concept’ (to test that the vaccines could work). Find more information on fetal cells and COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
What does the Catholic church say about the use of fetal cell lines in vaccines?
 
The Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life declared in 2005 and reaffirmed in 2017 that in the absence of alternatives, Catholics could, in good conscience, receive vaccines made using historical human fetal cell lines. In December 2020, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith provided a note on the morality of using some anti-COVID-19 vaccines.
 
 
Where can I find more information?
 
 
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I am a First Nations Elder over 65 years of age. How can I get the shingles vaccine?

As of February​ 1, 2021,  Shingrix® vaccine coverage is available at no cost to First Nations Elders who are 65 years old and older. The Shingrix® vaccine can be prescribed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, or from the pharmacist. If you have questions, talk to your community health nurse or go to the FNHA website.

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I have a weak immune system, is it safe for me to get the shingles vaccine?

The shingles vaccines are very safe and Shingrix® is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older. If you have concerns about your current health conditions or if you have a weakened immune system, you should discuss getting the vaccine with your healthcare provider. People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to have shingles more than once or complications from the disease. Your health care provider will discuss your health and the benefits and risks of getting vaccinated. 

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I have had shingles disease. Do I still need to get the vaccine? How long should I wait between having shingles disease and getting the vaccine?

The antibodies created after having shingles infection decrease over time; your chances of getting shingles increase as you get older. Having shingles disease once doesn’t protect you from ever having it again. After causing shingles, the herpes zoster virus goes back to sleep inside your nerves; it can still flare up again and cause another outbreak of shingles. The shingles vaccine is recommended one year after having a case of shingles to give longer-lasting protection against the disease and nerve pain. Read more about shingles. 

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What are common side effects after the shingles vaccine and how long do they last? How do I report a serious or unexpected vaccine reaction?
The Shingrix® vaccine is very safe. Common side effects of the shingles vaccines include headache and soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. Other reactions that may occur after getting Shingrix® include fever, muscle soreness, fatigue, shivering, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, these reactions have been temporary, lasting 2-3 days in studies (clinical trials). You can take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen* (e.g. Advil®) to help with fever or soreness after vaccination. Want to speak with a nurse about your vaccine side effects? Call HealthLinkBC at 811 anytime.
 
Reporting potential adverse events following immunization is a part of Canada's vaccine safety monitoring process. Contact the healthcare professional that provided the vaccine directly to make a report. If you don't know who provided the vaccine, you can contact your health unit and ask to speak with a nurse. Our BC health unit finder is here.
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At what age should you get the shingles vaccine? What if I am under 50 years of age and already had shingles disease?
The recommended and minimum age for Shingrix® vaccine is adults 50 years of age and older, because a person's risk of shingles increases as they get older. Over two-thirds of shingles cases occur in individuals over 50 years of age. It is important to have strong protection against shingles in your older years. The recommended for adults 50 years of age and older includes those who:
 
  • had shingles disease
  • received Zostavax® II
  • are not sure if they had chickenpox (varicella) infection
The safety and efficacy of the vaccine have not been tested in people younger than 50. If you are concerned about your health and risk of shingles, please speak with your healthcare provider. You will find more information about the shingles vaccine here.
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How long should you wait between the shingles vaccine and other vaccines, such as the influenza (flu) vaccine?
The Shingrix® vaccine can be given on the same day as other vaccines. There is no waiting period between shingles vaccination and other vaccines, like the influenza (flu) vaccine or the COVID-19 vaccine. There should be at least one year between the Zostavax® II‎ (live zoster vaccine) and your first dose of Shingrix® vaccine. 
 
You can find more info about shingles here. 
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I had shingles disease and now have post-herpetic neuralgia. Should I get the shingles vaccine?

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) happens in one out of five people who get shingles. Those with PHN have severe nerve pain that lasts months to years after the rash has cleared. There should be at least one year between an episode of shingles and the administration of Shingrix®. There is no evidence that the Shingrix® vaccine will have a therapeutic effect for a person with existing zoster (shingles) or post-herpetic neuralgia. Please check with your health care provider regarding the best time for you to receive Shingrix®.

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It's been more than six months since my first dose of Shingrix®. Is it too late to get the second shot? Do I have to restart my vaccine series?
When more than six months have passed since your first Shingrix® vaccination, you should get the second dose as soon as possible. You do not need to restart the vaccine series—two doses of Shingrix® ensure optimal protection.  
 
Find more information about shingles vaccination here.
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What are the ingredients in the Shingles vaccines? Are there any blood fractions, cells, or anything to do with blood products used in the shingles vaccine?

The Canadian Immunization Guide provides a list of ingredients for all approved vaccines in Canada. The product monograph includes vaccine ingredients and is available through Health Canada's Drug Product Database. The shingles vaccines do not contain human or animal cells or tissues. Read more about vaccine ingredients here.

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I have shingles and want to visit my friends and family. Can I spread shingles or chickenpox to other people? What if my grandchildren haven't had chickenpox disease or their chickenpox vaccinations?
Shingles cannot spread from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles (varicella-zoster virus) can spread from a person with active shingles to someone who is not immune to chickenpox (most people have had a chickenpox infection or vaccinated against chickenpox).
 
A person with active shingles can spread the virus through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters. Shingles are less contagious than chickenpox, and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer infectious. If you have shingles, you should:
 
  • Cover the rash, avoid touching or scratching the rash and wash your hands often to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Avoid close contact with people until the rash blisters heal (develop crusts).
  • It is essential to avoid contact with people at higher risk from chickenpox infection. Higher risk groups include pregnant women, infants, children, or anyone who has never had chickenpox; anyone who is currently ill; anyone with a weak immune system that cannot fight infection (such as someone with HIV infection or diabetes).
If you have other concerns about your health, speak with your primary care provider or call 811 to speak with a nurse. 
 
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If I had a Zostavax® II vaccine, would I need the Shingrix® vaccine? Where do I find a clinic?
Shingrix® is recommended for persons 50 years of age and older to prevent shingles, including those vaccinated with the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax® II). Wait one year between your dose of Zostavax® II and Shingrix®. Search for clinics offering shingles vaccination on the Vaccines411 website.
 
Read more about shingles and the vaccines here.
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Do I need a doctor's note to get the shingles vaccine in BC? How much does the vaccine cost? Why aren't shingles vaccines free?
You do not need a doctor's note to get a shingles vaccine and you can buy it at most pharmacies and travel clinics.
 
  • Shingrix® is a series of two doses and costs about $150/dose.
  • Zostavax® II is given as one dose and costs about $200.
  • Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine; check with your provider.

If you buy the vaccine at a travel clinic, a doctor or nurse on-site will be able to vaccinate you. Most pharmacists in B.C. give vaccines. If you want your doctor to vaccinate you, find out if they have a supply of the shingles vaccine. Search for clinics offering shingles vaccination on the Vaccines411 website. Click here to read about why all vaccines in B.C. are not free.

 
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If an adult has not had chickenpox disease or vaccination, should they get the shingles vaccine or the chickenpox vaccine?
Nearly all Canadians 50 years of age and older have had a prior chickenpox infection. Adults eligible for the shingles vaccine can receive it, even if they do not remember having had chickenpox (varicella) disease. Before shingles vaccination, do not get a blood test for chickenpox disease history. Learn more about the shingles vaccines here.
 
In the rare case that an adult over 50 years of age has a blood test that shows they are not immune to varicella (chickenpox), they should be vaccinated with two doses of varicella vaccine (not the shingles vaccine). If you have more questions, please speak with your healthcare provider. 
 
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If I had the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, can I still get shingles later in life?
Yes, it is possible for people who had chickenpox vaccination to get shingles later in life because the same virus that causes chickenpox disease (the varicella-zoster virus) causes shingles. However, people who get the chickenpox vaccine are less likely to have shingles later in life than people who have had chickenpox disease. 
 
Learn more about the shingles vaccines here.
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Do vaccines contain aluminum?
Yes, many vaccines contain aluminum. Aluminum is used in vaccines as an adjuvant. 
 
  • Adjuvants enhance the immune response (help the vaccine work better) so that fewer amounts of active ingredients and fewer doses of vaccine are needed.
  • The amount of aluminum in vaccines is extremely small and does not pose a health risk.
  • Aluminum-containing adjuvants have been used safely in vaccines since the 1930s.
  • Because large quantities of aluminum can cause serious neurologic effects in humans, Health Canada regulates the amount of aluminum that can be in vaccines. Health Canada follows standards set by the World Health Organization and allows for no more than 1.25 mg/dose as a safe level in vaccines.
  • Aluminum is one of the most plentiful elements and is in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and many health products.
  • Infants receive more aluminum from their diet in the first six months of life than from vaccines. Infants quickly remove aluminum from their bodies without harmful effects. The ability of the body to remove aluminum accounts for its excellent record of safety. About half of the aluminum from vaccines is eliminated from the body in less than 24 hours, and more than three-quarters is eliminated within two weeks.
  • For aluminum to be harmful, people must have kidneys that don’t work well or at all, and they must receive large amounts of aluminum for months or years.
 
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My child is allergic to a vaccine ingredient. What should I do? Can they still get the vaccine?

If your child has an allergy to an ingredient in vaccines, talk with your doctor or public health nurse about getting vaccinated. Your doctor or nurse will ask you some questions and decide if it is safe for your child to get vaccinated. 

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Where can I find a list of the ingredients in each vaccine?
 
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What ingredients are in vaccines?
Vaccines contain antigens (killed, weakened (attenuated), or synthetically manufactured versions of the disease-causing germ or parts of the germ) and small amounts of other ingredients, such as aluminum, gelatin, antibiotics, and mercury. 
 
All ingredients serve a specific purpose in either making the vaccine or making sure that the vaccine is safe and effective (works well). All of these ingredients are safe in the amounts used in vaccines. 
 
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Can the ingredients in vaccines cause harm?
The ingredients in vaccines are safe in the amounts used. You may have heard or read that some vaccine ingredients are harmful, but this is true only at much higher amounts than those found in vaccines. Any substance, even water, can be harmful at a high dose. 
 
The ingredients in vaccines have not been proven to cause harm (disease or illness) in the small amounts used in vaccines.
 
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Do vaccines contain mercury?
Almost all childhood vaccines DO NOT contain mercury. However, some influenza (flu) vaccines that have more than one dose in the vial (multi-dose vials) contain thimerosal, which is a mercury-based preservative. The small amount of thimerosal used to preserve vaccines is safe. 
 
  • Preservatives prevent germs (bacteria and fungus) from growing in the vial after the first dose has been removed.
  • In the body, thimerosal is broken down into ethylmercury and thiosalicylate. Ethylmercury is different from methylmercury, the type of mercury found in the environment that can cause mercury poisoning.
  • Ethylmercury is broken down and leaves the body much more quickly than methylmercury and is much less likely to build up in the body and cause harm. It has a half-life of seven days compared to 50 days for methylmercury. Half life means the amount of time it takes for half of the initial amount to break down.
  • Studies have shown that thimerosal, at the levels found in vaccines, is easily eliminated from the body and does not cause neurological problems.
  • In Canada, thimerosal is used only in some influenza vaccines provided in multi-dose vials. The amount of thimerosal is not greater than 50 µg per 0.5 mL dose. Thimerosal has not been included in any routine childhood vaccines produced since 2001. It was removed as a precautionary measure to maintain public confidence in vaccines, not because there was evidence that thimerosal in vaccines was dangerous.
  • The evidence is clear that thimerosal in vaccines does not cause autism.
  • A very small proportion of the population has a severe allergy (hypersensitivity) to thimerosal. For these people, thimerosal-containing vaccines should not be used; instead, single-dose formulations that are thimerosal-free are offered.
  • The amount of mercury in a thimerosal-containing influenza vaccine is not more than 25 µg/dose. This is about the same amount as is found in a six-ounce can of Canadian albacore tuna, which has no serving limits and is considered safe to eat.
 
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What is a vaccination record?

Vaccination records (sometimes called immunization records) provide a history (list) of all the vaccines you or your child have received.

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I am an international student. Do I qualify for publicly funded (free) vaccines in the BC immunization schedule? Do I need to have MSP to qualify?

International students (post secondary) who are in BC for a period of 6 months or more qualify for the publicly funded (free) vaccines in the immunization schedule. Find the BC immunization schedules for all ages here. 

 

A BC Services card number (also called a card card or proof of MSP enrollment) is not required to make an immunization appointment at a local health unit. Contact your local health unit to book an immunization appointment here. Immunization appointments at a pharmacy or doctor’s office do require a BC Services card number to offer publicly funded vaccines in the BC immunization schedule.

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I am an international student, can I get vaccines if I don’t have my immunization records? Can I get the annual influenza vaccine (flu shot) and the HPV vaccine for free?

International students (post secondary) who are here for a period of 6 months or more qualify for the publicly funded (free) vaccines in the immunization schedule. Find the BC immunization schedules for all ages here. If you don’t have your immunization records, your health care provider will decide which vaccines to offer based on your age, health, the BC immunization schedule and other factors. Review our tips for locating immunization records here. 

A BC Services card number (also called a card card or proof of MSP enrollment) is not required to make an immunization appointment at a local health unit. Contact your local health unit to book an immunization appointment here. Immunization appointments at a pharmacy or doctor’s office do require a BC Services card number to offer publicly funded vaccines. Depending on your age, health and other risk factors, you may be eligible for the annual influenza vaccine (flu shot) or HPV vaccine series. Read more about who qualifies for the free flu shot here. Read about who qualifies for a free HPV vaccine series here. 

 

If you don’t qualify for the publicly funded (free) vaccines, you may be able to purchase them at travel clinics, pharmacies and some doctors’ offices. 

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I am moving to Canada with a study or work permit. Do I have to pay for vaccines?

Please read our People new to BC section to help you with this process.

 

Some holders of study and/or work permits valid for a period of six months or more (including post-secondary international students) may be considered to be BC residents, and they are eligible for publicly funded (free) vaccines. You can find BC’s immunization schedules for adults here.

 

Some vaccines that are recommended for adults are free for BC residents, and some you need to buy.

 

If you don’t have health insurance under BC’s Medical Service Plan (MSP), you may have to pay for vaccines given at a doctor’s office or pharmacy. You will not have to pay at your local health unit.

 

Adults who are not BC residents can pay to be vaccinated at some doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and travel clinics in BC.

 

 

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Getting the COVID-19 vaccine (general)

Are the COVID-19 vaccine clinics inclusive and accessible (free of barriers, can be used independently by all people)? Is transportation available to the clinics? Can someone give me the COVID-19 vaccine in my home?
Many health care settings are inclusive and accessible for all British Columbians. Please contact the clinic directly if you have booked your COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or health unit. For accessibility information at other vaccine clinics, please phone the COVID-19 call centre at 1-833-838-2323. It is open seven days a week, 7 am to 7 pm. Translators are available.
 
As locations and services vary throughout BC, please contact your local health unit to ask about transportation to clinics or COVID-19 vaccination at-home services in your. If you live in an independent living facility or receive long-term home support, you will get a booster dose from a health care worker who visits you. 
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I had COVID-19. Do I need to get vaccinated?
People who have had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. This is because not everyone develops a strong immune response after having COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to help develop immunity. Wait until you feel better and you are no longer required to self-isolate to get vaccinated. People living with post-COVID syndrome or "long COVID" should also get vaccinated.  
 
If you've recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, you can wait up to 3 months for your booster dose. The likelihood of COVID-19 reinfection during this period of time is small because having COVID-19 boosts your immunity. You can also choose to get the booster dose at any time after your symptoms have passed. It is not harmful to get vaccinated, and it will give you a good boost to your protection. 
 
 
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I was immunized outside of BC or Canada. What should I do?
If you received the COVID-19 vaccine outside BC:
 
Even if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19 outside Canada, you may still need to receive vaccinations here. BC is following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccines list to decide whether or not it is recommended that you receive additional COVID-19 vaccination. Find more information on vaccine registration and eligibility by clicking here. 
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COVID-19 vaccine schedules & timing (general)

Can the COVID-19 vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?
COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same time or any time before or after any other vaccines. This includes the Influenza (flu) vaccine. 
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Can you still get TB screening done (TB skin test or IGRA) before or after a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, you can have TB screening done anytime before or after your COVID-19 vaccine.

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COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and third doses (general)

Who should get a COVID-19 booster dose?
Everyone aged 12 and older can get a booster dose 6 months after their initial series. If you got the Janssen vaccine, you can get a booster 2 months after your vaccine (this is because studies show that the Janssen vaccine is less effective and protection doesn’t last as long as the other COVID-19 vaccines).
 
 
People who are pregnant
 
Pregnant people 12 years and older can get a booster dose 2 months (8 weeks) after their second dose. You can be at any stage of your pregnancy. If you haven't received an invite yet, call 1-833-838-2323 and self-identify as pregnant. Learn more. 
 
 
Second booster dose
 
To protect people most at risk, some people can get a second booster dose. A second booster offers extra protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19. You can get your second booster 6 months after the date of your first booster.
 
A second booster dose is being offered in spring 2022 to: 
 
  • People 70 years of age and older. 
  • People who live in long-term care (or are awaiting placement in long-term care).
  • Indigenous people 55 years of age and older. 

 

Getting a booster dose after having COVID-19

You should get a booster dose even if you've already had COVID-19. The vaccine provides more reliable protection than having COVID-19.
 
If you've recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, you can wait up to 3 months for your booster dose or get it any time after your symptoms have passed. It is not harmful to get vaccinated and it will give you a good boost to your protection. 
 
 
Why you need a booster dose
 
A booster dose is an additional shot of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19. 
 
 
Which vaccine should you get for your booster dose?
 
You will be given an mRNA vaccine, either Moderna or Pfizer, as mRNA vaccines provide stronger protection. Novavax is available for those who are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine or those who prefer to get a non-mRNA vaccine. If you want a non-mRNA vaccine for your booster dose, you can call 1-833-838-2323 to ask to be added to the non-mRNA waitlist. 
 
There is no need for your booster to be the same brand as your previous vaccines. Getting an mRNA vaccine booster is highly effective and safe, even if you received a non-mRNA vaccine for a previous dose.
 
 
How can I get my booster dose?
 
Make sure you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system. Once you receive your invitation, use the confirmation number to book online or by phone. If you can't find your confirmation number, phone the call centre at 1-833-838-2323. Appointments are available in community pharmacies and health authority clinics all over BC at a time to fit your schedule.
 
People living in long-term care and assisted living will get their booster doses from a health care worker who visits them. 
 
 
Where can I learn more?
 
Learn more about booster doses at gov.bc.ca/booster.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Who should get a second booster of COVID-19 vaccine?
A second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine offers extra protection against severe outcomes. People at high risk for severe outcomes can get their second booster 6 months after their first booster. This is based on the recommendation from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
 
At this time in BC, a second booster dose is being offered to: 
 
  • People 70 years of age and older.
  • People who live in long-term care (or are awaiting placement in long-term care).
  • Indigenous people 55 years of age and older.  
Make sure you are registered with the Get Vaccinated system. Once you receive your invitation, use the confirmation number to book online or by phone. If you can't find your confirmation number, phone the call centre at 1-833-838-2323. Appointments are available in community pharmacies and health authority clinics all over BC at a time to fit your schedule.
 
People living in long-term care and assisted living will get their booster doses from a health care worker who visits them. 
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I just had COVID-19. Do I still need a booster dose?

You should get a booster dose even if you've already had COVID-19. The vaccine provides more reliable protection than having COVID-19.

If you've recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, you can wait up to 3 months for your booster dose or get it any time after your symptoms have passed. It is not harmful to get vaccinated and it will give you a good boost to your protection. 
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What is the difference between a third dose and a booster dose?
Third doses and booster doses have different purposes. 
 
A third dose is for people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems. People who are immunocompromised will generally have lower antibody responses (less protection) from two COVID-19 vaccine doses. Studies show that giving a third dose to complete the primary vaccine series can help these people make antibodies to protect them from COVID-19. 
 
A booster dose is an additional dose of vaccine that helps you maintain and lengthen your protection against severe outcomes of COVID-19 as immunity (protection) decreases over time. It is given after completion of a primary series (a primary series is an initial series of vaccinations designed to give you protection against a disease).
 
See the infographic on vaccine boosters and third doses below from theBCCDC. 
 
 
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COVID-19 vaccination records (general)

How can I get a record of my COVID-19 vaccinations?

Register for Health Gateway, an online website that provides a single place for BC residents to access their health records. By registering for BC's Health Gateway, you will be able to access a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record. After getting your COVID-19 vaccine, be sure to keep your paper vaccination record in a safe place. 

If your COVID-19 vaccination record is not correct in the BC Health Gateway system, you can enter corrections for your COVID-19 immunization record on the Submit or update a COVID-19 immunization record webpage.
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Safety of COVID-19 vaccines (general)

I am recovering from an illness (like COVID-19, shingles or chickenpox). Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
In general, it’s safe for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine even if you are recovering from an illness, but stay home if:
 
  • You have symptoms of COVID-19. Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to determine your next steps.
  • You have a new illness preventing you from performing your regular activities. You should wait to get vaccinated until you have recovered. This will help to distinguish potential side effects of the vaccine from the worsening of your illness.‎
  • You are recovering from an illness that can spread from person to person, so you’re not putting others at risk of infection when you come for your vaccine. For example, chickenpox can easily spread from person to person, especially to those who are unvaccinated or have never had the disease.
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How were COVID-19 vaccines developed and approved so quickly? How do we know they are safe?
The development of COVID-19 vaccines happened quickly for many reasons, including:
 
  • Advances in science and technology.
  • International collaboration among scientists, researchers, health professionals, industry, and governments.
  • Increased dedicated funding.
No clinical trial phases or safety steps were skipped in the development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines and all steps were taken to ensure their safety and effectiveness. 
 
What was different for COVID-19 vaccines was that:
 
  • The three phases of clinical trials overlapped to speed up the process (normally the phases are performed one at a time). 
  • Health Canada used a fast-tracked process that allowed:
    • vaccine manufacturers to submit data as it became available
    • experts to start the review process right away 
Health Canada only approves a vaccine if it is safe, it works, it meets manufacturing standards, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
 
 
 
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Is it safe to drink alcohol before or after getting the vaccine?
People who use alcohol can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
According to the World Health Organization, there is no evidence that the safety or effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines is affected by anything you eat or drink before or after getting vaccinated, including alcohol. However, drinking alcohol can add to the normal mild to moderate side effects that you might experience after vaccination, such as a headache and tiredness. Because of this, it is advisable to avoid drinking until any side effects following vaccination have passed. 
 
When it’s time for your appointment, we recommend that you don’t drink alcohol or come intoxicated (drunk) to your vaccination appointment. The healthcare provider needs your informed consent before giving vaccines. Alcohol may impair (lessen) your ability to fully understand the health information and ask questions.
 
Folks who struggle with an alcohol use disorder may have a compromised (weaker) immune system so it is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
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Are the spike proteins generated by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines harmful?
There is no evidence that vaccine-generated spike proteins are harmful. 
 
  • The mRNA vaccines work by teaching our cells how to make a harmless spike protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. The body then makes antibodies to help you fight infection if the COVID-19 virus enters your body.
  • Some people are concerned that the spike proteins generated by COVID-19 vaccines can cause harm to the body’s organs or tissues. However, there is no evidence that the vaccine-generated spike proteins cause harm. 
  • COVID-19 infection, however, can damage many organs and tissues. It is important to focus on the right risk.
  • The vaccine-generated spike proteins don't last long in the body; the immune system quickly identifies, attacks, and destroys them.
  • Scientists estimate that the spike proteins, like other proteins our bodies create, may stay in the body for up to a few weeks.
Want to know more about this?
 
 
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Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am immunocompromised from treatment or illness? What if I have an autoimmune disease?
Nearly everyone will be able to safely receive the vaccine, although a very small number of people may need to avoid vaccination due to severe allergies to parts of the vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers identify a number of precautions because these populations were not included in the original vaccine trials. In the context of the ongoing risk of COVID-19, most individuals can be offered vaccination:
 
  • Weakened immune systems. COVID-19 vaccines are not live vaccines, and there are no significant concerns about safety for those with weakened immune systems. It is possible that the vaccine may not work as expected in people who have a weakened immune system. If you have questions and have a weakened immune system, speak to your healthcare provider about the COVID-19 vaccine.
     
  • Autoimmune diseases. If you have questions and have an autoimmune disease, speak to your healthcare provider or medical specialist.
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Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I use marijuana/cannabis? Does it matter if it is edibles, smoked, etc.?
Yes, people who use any type of marijuana or cannabis can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
However, when it’s time for your appointment, we recommend that you not be high. This is not because of a vaccine safety concern (that marijuana interferes with the vaccine) but because the healthcare provider needs your informed consent before giving vaccines. Marijuana may impair (lessen) your ability to fully understand the health information and to ask questions.
 
There is emerging evidence suggesting that smoking can have negative consequences on a person's respiratory system and immune competence, so it’s even more important to get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself from the virus if you smoke.
 
ImmunizeBC does not have specific recommendations around cannabis use after any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines. This is because there are no studies around cannabis use and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
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Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I use substances or struggle with addiction?
Yes, people who use substances or struggle with addiction can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
However, when it’s time for your appointment, we recommend that you not be high. This is not because of a vaccine safety concern but because the healthcare provider needs your informed consent before giving vaccines. Drugs may impair (lessen) your ability to fully understand the health information and ask questions.
 
Folks who struggle with substance use disorders may have a compromised (weaker) immune system and should talk to their healthcare provider. 
 
ImmunizeBC does not have specific recommendations around substance use after getting any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccines. There are no studies around substance use and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
 
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Is it safe to get a tattoo, or microblading, or botox before or after COVID-19 vaccines?
Yes, it is safe to get a tattoo, or microblading, or botox between doses of the vaccine. A recent tattoo, microblading, or botox treatment is not a contraindication or precaution to safely receiving a vaccine, nor is there a required wait period between having these procedures and a vaccine. 
 
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COVID-19 vaccine side effects (general)

How do I report a serious reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine?
Please report any adverse events (serious or unexpected reactions following vaccination) to the health care provider who gave you the vaccine. You can also report an adverse event to your health care provider, or you can call your local health unit to report it.  Health care providers are trained to report these events to the correct channels to monitor vaccine safety. 
 
If you have questions about side effects or a possible reaction to the vaccine, contact HealthLinkBC by calling 8-1-1.
 
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Are there long-term side effects caused by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?
The medical and scientific community is confident in the long-term safety of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for several reasons:
 
  • The history of vaccines shows that delayed effects after vaccination can happen. But when they do, these effects tend to happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine. This is why regulators in Canada and many other countries require at least eight weeks of safety data before approving a vaccine. The vaccines have now been in use for months, with over 9.5 billion doses given worldwide.
  • The mRNA vaccines have been in development for many years and have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). In addition, cancer research has used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells. Decades of studying mRNA vaccines have shown no long-term side effects.
  • Canada’s vaccine safety system has proven time and again that the data necessary to get through the approval process is sufficient to prove safety, even for the long term. The end data and safety tests for the mRNA vaccines met the same standards as other vaccines that have been approved in Canada.
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COVID-19 vaccine ingredients (general)

Are there blood products in any of the COVID-19 vaccines?
Human blood products are not typically found in vaccines. The exceptions to this are two rabies vaccines (Imovax® Rabies and RabAvert®) that contain albumin derived from human blood. There are no blood products in the seven COVID-19 vaccines that are currently approved in Canada. This could change as more vaccines with different ingredients are announced, so we recommend looking at the vaccine ingredient list on the Health Canada Approved COVID-19 Vaccines webpage.
 
Regarding other vaccines: animal and human cell cultures may be used in the process of making certain vaccines, but the vaccines do not contain animal or human cells or tissue. 
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Where can I find a list of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in Canada?
Vaccines authorized for use in Canada by Health Canada are listed below. You can find the ingredients and detailed information on each of the vaccines by clicking on the links.
 
As more vaccines are approved, their ingredient lists will be available on the Health Canada Approved COVID-19 vaccines page.
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Do COVID-19 vaccines contain fetal cells? Were abortions performed to make the vaccines?
Vaccines do not contain fetal cells, and no abortions are performed to make vaccines. This includes COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
Some vaccines are made by growing the vaccine viruses in human fetal cell lines. However, the vaccines themselves do not contain fetal cells or tissue. The purification process removes nearly all the cell components so that only trace amounts of DNA and protein may be present in the vaccine. 
 
Fetal cell lines are used to test and develop many common over-the-counter and prescribed medications, including antacids and cold medications.
 
Are COVID-19 vaccines made using fetal cell lines?
 
  • Fetal cell lines were used to make the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine and the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine. However, the vaccines themselves do not contain fetal cells or tissue. The purification process removes nearly all the cell components so that only trace amounts of DNA and protein may be present in the vaccine. 
  • Fetal cell lines were not used to make the Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. However, the cell lines were used in the very early stages of research and development of these vaccines to test 'proof of concept’ (to test that the vaccines could work).
What fetal cell lines are used? 
 
  • The AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine uses the HEK 293 fetal cell line, and the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine uses the PER.C6 fetal cell line. However, the vaccines themselves do not contain fetal cells or tissue. The purification process removes nearly all the cell components so that only trace amounts of DNA and protein may be present in the vaccine. 
  • The Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccines used the fetal cell line HEK 293 in the very early stages of research and development. It was not used to make these vaccines. 
  • The HEK 293 and PER.C6 fetal cell lines descend from cells taken from fetuses aborted in the 1970s and 1980s. The fetuses were not aborted to make vaccines.
Why are fetal cell lines used?
 

Fetal cell lines are used with some vaccines because viruses need to be grown in cells and human cells are often better than animal cells at supporting the growth of human viruses. 

Vaccine manufacturers may use these fetal cell lines during the following two phases:  
 
  • Research and development 
  • Production and manufacturing  
Fetal cell lines are used in scientific and medical research and in the research and development of most medical products available today.
 
What are fetal cell lines?
 
Fetal cell lines are cells that are grown in a laboratory. They descend from cells taken from fetuses aborted in the 1970s and 1980s that have since multiplied into many new cells over the past four or five decades, creating the fetal cell lines. The fetuses were not aborted to make vaccines. Current fetal cell lines are thousands of generations removed from the original fetal tissue. They do not contain any tissue from a fetus. 
 

What does the Catholic church say about the use of fetal cell lines in vaccines?

The Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life declared in 2005 and reaffirmed in 2017 that in the absence of alternatives, Catholics could, in good conscience, receive vaccines made using historical human fetal cell lines. In December 2020, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith provided a note on the morality of using some anti-Covid-19 vaccines.
 
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COVID-19 vaccines and allergies (general)

I have an allergy to one of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?
Let your immunization provider know that you are concerned about a possible allergy to an ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine. You and your immunization provider can determine which vaccine is right for you. There is a safe COVID-19 vaccine option for most people. 
 
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have had anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) with an unknown cause.
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
    • Polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is in both the Moderna (SpikevaxTM) and Pfizer-BioNTech (ComirnatyTM) COVID-19 vaccines.
    • Polysorbate 80, which is in the AstraZeneca (VaxzevriaTM), CovishieldTM, Johnson & Johnson (JanssenTM) and Novavax (NuvaxovidTM) vaccines.

Depending on  your allergy history, your immunization providers may require you to wait for a longer period of time (30 minutes or more) after getting the vaccine. 

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I had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after my mRNA vaccine. Can I get another dose?
Severe allergic reactions after mRNA vaccines are very rare. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, recent studies have shown that most of the people who had these reactions after a previous dose of mRNA vaccine can be safely re-vaccinated with the same vaccine or another mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Re-vaccination was safe and almost no reactions or only mild reactions happened after re-vaccination. 
 
Although the risk of a severe immediate allergic reaction after re-vaccination appears to be low, it’s important to do the following: 
 
  • Consult with an allergist or other appropriate physician before re-vaccination.
  • If you are being re-vaccinated, the vaccine should be given in a setting with expertise and equipment to manage anaphylaxis. All public health clinics are equipped.
  • You should be observed for at least 30 minutes after re-vaccination. 
Please talk to your healthcare provider and discuss whether for you the benefits of the vaccine are greater than the possible risk of getting the vaccine. Your healthcare provider can help with a referral to an allergist, or you can call your local health unit and ask to speak to a public health nurse. This link will help you find your local health unit number.
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COVID-19 vaccination & pregnancy & breastfeeding (general)

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for people who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding?
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years of age and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who may become pregnant. 
 
The vaccine can be given safely at any time while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding.
 
Pregnant people are at increased risk of serious illness and complications from COVID-19 infection. Vaccines can drastically reduce this risk 
 
Evidence from around the world continues to grow and has not found any safety concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding people who were vaccinated or for their babies. Studies have shown that pregnant people who get a COVID-19 vaccine receive the same levels of protection that non-pregnant people do, and that this protection can be passed on to your baby. 
 
There are currently no known serious risks (such as an increased risk of miscarriage or possible birth defects) when getting a COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding (or providing expressed human milk) to either the person being vaccinated or the child.
 
The Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists , the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and public health experts in BC all agree that people who are pregnant and breastfeeding should get the vaccine.
 
There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility or the pregnancy itself.
 
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding is the safest choice to protect you from COVID-19.
 
For more information, refer to the BC Centre for Disease Control's COVID-19 vaccine planning guide for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding below. 
 
 
 
Pregnant people 12 years and older can get a booster dose 8 weeks after their second dose. You can be at any stage of your pregnancy.  If you haven't received an invite yet, call 1-833-838-2323 and self-identify as pregnant. Read why pregnant people can receive their booster 8 weeks after their second dose.
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Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect menstruation?
Research on COVID-19 vaccination and the menstrual cycle is limited. However, results from two recent studies show that people may have a small change in menstruation (including changes in cycle length and bleeding) after COVID-19 vaccination, but that these changes are temporary. There continues to be no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines impact fertility.
 
Having COVID-19 itself can also affect the menstrual cycle. So can many other things, including stress, sleep, diet, exercise, and other infections. 
 
If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, please speak with your healthcare provider.
 
 
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Why are pregnant people able to get their booster as early as 8 weeks after getting their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

Pregnancy is a higher risk time for complications from COVID-19 infection, and pregnant people are more likely to be hospitalized and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) than people their age that are not pregnant.
 
While it is generally recommended that people get their booster dose 6 months after their second dose (to strengthen and provide longer protection against COVID-19), pregnant people are able to get their booster dose as early as 8 weeks after their second dose. This is because there is a limited amount of time to provide protection during pregnancy and it is important for pregnant people to receive their booster during pregnancy to ensure optimal protection for them and their baby.

Getting the booster dose while pregnant is ideal because serious illness during pregnancy can put both the pregnant person and the unborn baby at risk and may lead to premature birth, still birth, or Cesarean section. COVID-19 immunization during pregnancy is safe for the pregnant person and for the unborn baby. Evidence from around the world continues to grow and has not found any safety concerns for pregnant people who were vaccinated or for their babies.
 
In addition to protecting the pregnant person, the antibodies (protection) from the pregnant person are transferred to the unborn baby. This provides ‘passive immunity’ to the newborn, which may reduce the risk of infection for the infant during their first several months of life.
 
To receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster 8 weeks after their second dose, pregnant people will need to call the central call line (1-833-838-2323), and tell them they are pregnant to book their appointment.
 

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Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect fertility?

The Canadian Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists states that the COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility, and there is no scientific reason to believe that they will cause infertility. Recent studies have shown that they do not affect fertility. In fact, getting the COVID-19 vaccine before getting pregnant may protect you and your future baby from the harms of COVID-19 in pregnancy. 

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If I am vaccinated and breastfeeding, do I pass on COVID-19 immunity to my baby?

Several recent small studies have shown that antibodies can be passed to infants through breastfeeding. Getting vaccinated while breastfeeding not only protects the parent but could also protect the baby too. However, whether antibodies passed by a vaccinated or an infected parent give a child sufficient protection, and whether that protection lasts, are questions that still need to be answered.

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COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (general)

Are COVID-19 vaccines effective against variants like Omicron?
Current vaccines provide good protection against severe illness and hospitalizations for Omicron. Some people may still get COVID-19 after they have been vaccinated (this is called “breakthrough infection”). The good news is that people that are fully vaccinated and experience a breakthrough infection are much less likely to get really sick or end up in the hospital and intensive care unit than those who are un-vaccinated and get COVID-19. 
 
Research that took place in BC compared the effectiveness in people who had received two doses of vaccine to those who had received a booster dose. 
 
Two doses provided good protection against severe outcomes with Omicron. Two doses prevented about 65-75% of hospitalizations (reducing the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization by about two-thirds to three-quarters compared to unvaccinated people). Two doses were less effective against Omicron infection (less than 10-15% against any infection).
 
Booster doses increased protection against Omicron up to more than 90% against hospitalization with Omicron and about 50-60% against Omicron infection.  
 
When you receive your invitation to book your booster, it is important to do so.
 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.

Read more about BC vaccine effectiveness on the BCCDC website.

Monitoring and research on the new COVID-19 variants continues. For more information, check out this page on the BCCDC website.
 

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How long does protection from COVID-19 vaccine last?
We don’t know yet how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective and provide good, ongoing protection against severe disease – which is the primary goal of the vaccination program. Here in BC, the longer interval between vaccine doses has been very helpful in supporting long lasting vaccine effectiveness. 
 
However, because vaccines are not 100% effective against symptomatic infection, breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated people will happen. The vast majority of these are expected to be mild. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 among fully vaccinated individuals are rare. 
 
There is some evidence that the level of protection against symptomatic infection decreases over time after the initial vaccination series, especially for people who got their two COVID-19 vaccines less than 5 weeks apart, those with immunocompromising conditions, and among older individuals. This reduction in protection has led to the recommendation that everyone ages 18 years and older get a booster shot after completing their primary vaccination series.
 
Vaccine effectiveness continues to be monitored by BCCDC.  Read more about BC vaccine effectiveness on the BCCDC website.  
 
 
 
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Other questions about COVID-19 vaccines (general)

Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
The COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory for the general public in BC, but they are mandatory for some groups (e.g., healthcare workers) or may be required by some employers. 
 
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Can I get an antibody test to find out what level of protection I have from my COVID-19 vaccination?
Antibody tests to check level of protection after COVID-19 vaccination are not routinely available to the public.
 
Antibody tests that check antibodies made by the body after COVID-19 infection are available for a fee from some private labs. However, they do not test antibodies that are made by the body after vaccination. Read more information about antibody testing after COVID-19 infection.
 
Antibody tests are not recommended at this time. It isn't known if the presence of antibodies means you are immune to the virus and protected from getting infected again. Also, it isn't known how long your antibody response to COVID-19 lasts. 
 
 
 
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How do I find out if a health professional (doctor, nurse, dentist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, etc.,) is vaccinated against COVID-19?
The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO) has posted a new provincial health officer order requiring the reporting of health-care professionals’ COVID-19 vaccination status. Under the order, registrants for whom vaccination status is not found must provide vaccination records to their college by March 31, 2022.
 
 
You can contact the college that regulates the HCP to find out if your care provider is COVID-19 vaccinated.  
 
 
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Getting the COVID-19 vaccine (youth)

What vaccines do youth 12 and over get?
Health Canada has approved the following mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for youth aged 12 and older:
 
  • Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty™) COVID-19 vaccine
  • Moderna (Spikevax™) COVID-19 vaccine
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My child or teen had COVID-19. Do they still need the vaccine? Would they not be immune and have better protection from natural infection?
Children and teens who have had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. This is because not everyone develops a strong immune response (protection) after having COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to help develop immunity and provide better and longer-lasting protection against current and future variants of the virus. 
 
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is also a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. While COVID-19 tends to cause mild illness in most children and teens, some children and teens (including those with underlying medical conditions) can get severely ill from COVID-19.
 
Learn more about getting vaccinated after having COVID-19 in the handout below.
 
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How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do youth 12 to 17 years of age need?
 
The vaccine is given to most youth as a 2 dose series. For some youth who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed, 3 doses are recommended.  Learn more about who is eligible to receive a third dose.
 
Youth aged 12 to 17 are also eligible for a booster dose at least 6 months after their initial series. It is extra important to get a booster dose if you have a weakened immune system because of a medical condition or treatment. Learn more about booster doses for young people ages 12 to 17.
 
 

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Does a youth who has had a COVID-19 infection still need the vaccine?
Yes. Youth who have had a COVID-19 infection should get vaccinated as soon as they have recovered and completed their self-isolation period. This includes youth with ‘long COVID’, the condition which causes people to experience symptoms well after their infection goes away.
 
Not everyone develops a strong immune response after a COVID-19 infection, and the vaccine is the best way to ensure immunity. Although the body naturally generates antibodies when you get COVID-19, we don’t know how long immunity lasts or how many antibodies your body produces. This is why some people get COVID-19 more than once and why it’s recommended that children who have had a COVID-19 infection still get vaccinated. 
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How can I help support a youth who is afraid of needles?
Vaccines can cause some pain, stress, and anxiety for children and youth of all ages. Go to our reducing pain, stress, and anxiety with vaccinations section for tips on how to have a more positive vaccination experience. 
 
You can also contact your local health unit and ask to speak with a public health nurse about supports available in your area. 
 

CARD System

 
You can use the CARD system - Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract to help your child find their preferred way to prepare for the vaccine.
 
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Risks of COVID-19 infection and benefits of vaccination (youth)

Why should my child or teen get the COVID-19 vaccine when it typically causes mild illness in children and youth and is less effective against Omicron?
While COVID-19 tends to cause mild illness in most children and youth, some children and youth (including those with underlying medical conditions) can get severely ill from COVID-19. The Omicron variant spreads more easily from person to person, and more children and youth are becoming infected and being hospitalized with COVID-19. Some children and youth who get infected can:
 
  • Develop a serious but rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation, and can happen several weeks after infection.
  • Continue to feel sick weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. Early studies suggest that "long COVID" is less common in children and young people than adults. 
While vaccines are less effective at preventing infection from the Omicron variant (compared to other variants like Delta), current data suggests they provide good protection against serious illness and hospitalization due to Omicron.
 
  • Vaccination reduces the risk of children and youth getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others, including more vulnerable family and community members.
  • Vaccination is very important, even for those who have previously been infected with COVID-19. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection helps improve the immune response and may provide better and longer-lasting protection against current and future variants of the virus.
 
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I heard that children and teens don’t transmit the COVID-19 virus to others. So how does my child or teen getting vaccinated help protect others?
Just like adults, children and teens can transmit (spread) COVID-19 to others. 
 
  • Early in the pandemic, children and teens were not often identified as spreaders of COVID-19. However, this was mostly because schools and activities were closed or not held in person.
  • Since things have opened up again, outbreaks among teens at camps, sporting events, and schools show that teens spread COVID-19.
  • Further, studies that looked at the risk of children and teens spreading COVID-19 to others in their households showed that they do spread the virus.
  • Children and teens can spread COVID-19 to others when they do not have symptoms.
Vaccination reduces the risk of children and teens getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. 
 
 
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What are the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in youth?
Vaccination helps keep youth safe and is the best way to protect youth from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.  
 
While most youth who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, some can get very sick. Unfortunately, with the Delta and Omicron variants, we are seeing more youth getting sick and being hospitalized with COVID-19.
 
Some youth may continue to feel sick for weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. Early studies suggest that "long COVID" is less common in children and young people than adults. 
 
Vaccinating youth also helps: 
 
  • Protect family members, including siblings who are too young to get vaccinated and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if infected. 
  • Reduce the spread of the virus in the community. This helps protect people who are most at risk of getting really sick from COVID-19, such as the elderly.
  • Reduce the risk of new variants of concern appearing. We don’t know if there will eventually be a variant of concern that causes more serious illness in children and youth. 
  • Give youth an added layer of protection in school or while participating in sports, playdates, and other group activities.
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What are the risks of COVID-19 infection in youth?
While most youth who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, some can get very sick. Unfortunately, with the Delta and Omicron variants, we are seeing more youth getting sick and being hospitalized with COVID-19.  Children and youth with certain underlying medical conditions have a higher chance of more serious symptoms if they get COVID-19. Infected children and youth are also able to pass on COVID-19 to other people in their families and communities.
 
Some children and youth may continue to feel sick weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. Early studies suggest that "long COVID" is less common in children and young people than adults. 
 
Children and youth are also at risk of developing a serious but rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after COVID-19 infection. MIS-C is caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation and can appear several weeks after infection. As of November 13, 2021, there have been 19 confirmed young people with MIS-C in BC. All children with MIS-C in BC have recovered or are recovering. 
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COVID-19 vaccine safety (youth)

What are the side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in youth?
Side effects are part of the body's natural response to a vaccine. Some people have no side effects, while others may have some type of reaction. Reactions are most often mild and go away by themselves within hours or days. 
 
Common vaccine side effects may include:
 
  • Pain, redness, swelling  and itchiness where the vaccine was given.
  • More general symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, fever, chills, muscle or joint soreness, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit, nausea and vomiting. 
  • In very rare cases, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart's outer lining) can occur. Most people recover quickly. The risk of heart complications, including myocarditis, is much greater after COVID-19 infection than after vaccination. Read more: Can mRNA vaccines cause inflammation of the heart (myocarditis and pericarditis)?
  • A severe allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) can happen after any vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine, but this is rare and happens in about one in a million people. Should this reaction occur, healthcare providers are prepared to treat it.
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Are the spike proteins generated by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines harmful?
There is no evidence that vaccine-generated spike proteins are harmful. 
 
  • The mRNA vaccines work by teaching our cells how to make a harmless spike protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. The body then makes antibodies to help you fight infection if the COVID-19 virus enters your body.
  • Some people are concerned that the spike proteins generated by COVID-19 vaccines can cause harm to the body’s organs or tissues. However, there is no evidence that the vaccine-generated spike proteins cause harm.
  • COVID-19 infection, however, can damage many organs and tissues. It is important to focus on the right risk.
  • The vaccine-generated spike proteins don't last long in the body; the immune system quickly identifies, attacks, and destroys them.
  • Scientists estimate that the spike proteins, like other proteins our bodies create, may stay in the body for up to a few weeks.
Want to know more about this?
 
 
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Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe for youth?
The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe for youth.  The vaccines were tested in youth through clinical trials. The Pfizer vaccine was tested in youth aged 12 to 15 through clinical trials that included more than 2200 teens. The Moderna vaccine was tested on more than 3700 teens aged 12 to 17. The clinical trials compared the immune response, safety, and effectiveness of the vaccine to a placebo. Health Canada reviewed the data from the clinical trials and approved the vaccines after determining that: 
 
• They are safe.
• They are effective (they work).  
• The benefits of the vaccines outweigh any risks. 
 
Health Canada has an extensive review and approval process for vaccines. This ensures the safety and quality of vaccines.
 
Since approval, hundreds of millions of mRNA vaccines have been safely given to people 12 years of age and older worldwide. As of November 2021, over two million youth in Canada and over 250 thousand youth in BC aged 12 to 17 had already received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for youth, read the Vaccine Safety for Youth handout from the BCCDC. 
 
Once a vaccine is approved and begins to be used, its safety is continuously monitored. The purpose of this ongoing monitoring is to identify any possible side effects that were too rare to appear in the clinical trials. When millions of people receive a vaccine, rare side effects may be detected. 
 
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Can mRNA vaccines cause inflammation of the heart?
In rare cases, people have experienced myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart) after getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. In Canada, this has occurred at a rate of about 3 cases per 100,000 doses of Moderna vaccine and 1.9 cases per 100,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
 

They have occurred more often in young adults and adolescent males (12-29 years of age), and after the second dose. The available short-term follow-up data shows that the majority of affected people, even if hospitalized, experience relatively mild illness, respond well to conservative treatment, and recover quickly. It's important to note that the risk of heart complications, including myocarditis, is much greater following COVID-19 infection than following vaccination.

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Are there long-term side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in youth?
The medical and scientific community is confident in the long-term safety of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for several reasons:
 
  • The history of vaccines shows that delayed effects after vaccination can happen. But when they do, these effects tend to happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine. This is why regulators in Canada and many other countries require at least eight weeks of safety data before approving a vaccine. The vaccines have now been in use for months, with over 2.7 billion doses given worldwide.
     
  • This is not new vaccine technology. The mRNA vaccines have been in development for many years and have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). In addition, cancer research has used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells. Years of studying mRNA vaccines has shown no long-term side effects.
     
  • Canada’s vaccine safety system has proven time and again that the data necessary to get through the approval process is sufficient to prove safety, even for the long term. The end data and safety tests for the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines met the same standards as other vaccines that have been approved in Canada. 
When considering long-term risks, a COVID-19 infection is a much more serious concern. 
 
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Can mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alter a person’s DNA?
 
  • Location – mRNA is active in the cytoplasm of a cell, whereas DNA is protected in the cell’s nucleus. The mRNA CANNOT enter the nucleus, so the two nucleic acids are never in the same place in the cell.
     
  • Process – mRNA is not DNA. So, if a person’s DNA were going to be altered, the RNA would have to be made into DNA. This would require a special enzyme that exists only in some viruses. Coronaviruses are not one of them, as they have only single-stranded RNA. This means that when they enter into a cell’s cytoplasm, they don’t need to be translated. Proteins (like the spike protein) can be made directly from the RNA.
     
  • Stability — mRNA is not very stable. Its half-life in human cells is estimated in hours. For purposes of mRNA-based therapies, modifications have been developed to keep the molecule in cells long enough to allow for the therapy to be successful. But even with this, the mRNA will not lead to protein production for more than 10-14 days.
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COVID-19 vaccine & reproductive health (youth)

Can COVID-19 vaccines affect menstruation?
Research on COVID-19 vaccination and the menstrual cycle is limited. However, results from two recent studies indicate that people may have a small change in menstruation (including changes in cycle length and bleeding) after COVID-19 vaccination, but that these changes are temporary. There continues to be no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines impact fertility.
 
Having COVID-19 itself can also impact the menstrual cycle. So can many other things, including stress, sleep, diet, exercise, and other infections. 
 
If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, please speak with your healthcare provider.
 
 
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Can COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility?

COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility, and there is no scientific reason to believe that they will cause infertility. Recent studies have shown that they do not impact fertility.

In response to the online rumours suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may affect future fertility, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada released a statement.

In this video, Dr. Paul Offit from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explains why infertility is not a concern following COVID-19 or receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

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Informed consent and COVID-19 vaccination (youth)

Do youth need a signed consent form to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A COVID-19 consent form is not required. However, there are consent forms that the BCCDC has created that the clinic may choose to use. You can see them below:
 
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Can youth provide their own consent for the COVID-19 vaccine?
In general, parental consent for health care in BC is sought for children 12 years of age and younger. However, there is no legal age of consent for health care in BC. Children and youth under 19 years of age can legally consent to or refuse vaccinations on their own behalf if they demonstrate capability. This is called "mature minor consent".
 
"Mature minor consent" is the consent a child or youth gives to receive health care after the child has been assessed by a healthcare provider as having the necessary understanding to give consent. For more information about mature minor consent for vaccines, refer to the HealthLinkBC File: The Infants Act, Mature Minor Consent and Immunization.
 
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Who can give consent for a child or youth to get their COVID-19 vaccine?
Parents or guardians typically provide consent for their child or youth to be vaccinated. However, there are other individuals who may have the authority to consent to vaccination on behalf of the child or youth, including foster parents and custodial caregivers (for example, a grandmother or aunt raising the child). A parent/guardian can also give another individual permission to give consent for their child’s vaccination. A note must be provided which includes the following information: 
 
  • Name of the parent/guardian
  • Name and date of birth of the child or youth
  • Name of the individual given authority to consent
  • Date and signature of the parent/guardian who has given their authority to another individual
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Other questions about COVID-19 vaccines (youth)

What does the World Health Organization (WHO) say about children and youth getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
First, it’s important to note that the WHO plays an important role in providing recommendations globally, not regionally. This means the WHO prioritization for vaccination at a global level may be different than that of Canada or BC, because they have to look at the big picture worldwide. 
 
The WHO (June 2021) states: “Children and adolescents tend to have milder disease compared to adults, so unless they are part of a group at higher risk of severe COVID-19, it is less urgent to vaccinate them than older people, those with chronic health conditions, and health workers.”   
 
This statement reflects the fact that, as a global community with a limited vaccine supply, it's more urgent to vaccinate people most at risk around the world, such as older people, those with chronic health conditions, and healthcare workers, before we turn our attention to vaccinating those who are less at risk. 
 
We are fortunate in BC that we have vaccinated the majority of our population and still have vaccines, and we can offer them to children and youth. This is a privilege that much of the world does not have, which is why the WHO recommendation focuses on vaccinating those most at risk. 
 
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Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for youth?
No, in BC the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for children or youth.
 
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Getting the COVID-19 vaccine (children)

What COVID-19 vaccine will children aged 5 to 11 get?

Health Canada has approved two mRNA vaccines specially made for children with a smaller dose than the mRNA vaccines for those 12 years of age and older. 

 

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine is approved for children ages five to 11.
  • The Moderna Spikevax vaccine is approved for children ages six to 11.

 

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is preferred for children five to 11 years old. This is because more data is available from the real-world use of this vaccine. Millions of children have safely received this vaccine in Canada and worldwide. The Moderna vaccine may be offered to children six to 11 years of age as an alternative. If you want to get your child vaccinated with Moderna, you must tell the clinic when you arrive. Supply is limited, and the Moderna vaccine may not be available at your clinic.

 

Click here to register your children with the Get Vaccinated system. After you register, you will receive a text, email, or phone call when it's your turn to book a vaccine appointment. After you register, you will receive a text, email, or phone call when it's your turn to book a vaccine appointment. 

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How can I help support a child who is afraid of needles?
 
You can also contact your local health unit and ask to speak with a public health nurse about supports available in your area. 

 

CARDTM System

You can also use the CARD system - Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract to help your child find their preferred way to prepare for the vaccine. Check out the CARD Game for Kids and other activities on Immunize Canada. 
 
 
 
 

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My child had COVID-19. Do they still need the vaccine?
People who have had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated. This is because not everyone develops a strong immune response (protection) after having COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to help develop immunity and provides more reliable protection than COVID-19.
 
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is also a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. While COVID-19 tends to cause mild illness in most children and teens, some children and teens (including those with underlying medical conditions) can get severely ill from COVID-19.
 
Learn more about getting vaccinated after having COVID-19 in the handout from the BCCDC below.
 
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Can children get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccinations?
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time or any time before or after any other childhood vaccinations including the flu shot.
 

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How can I register my child to get vaccinated?

You can register your child to get vaccinated with the Get Vaccinated System. You can register online or by phone. After you register, you will receive a text, email, or phone call when it's your turn to book a vaccine appointment. 

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Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine for children?
This vaccine is for any child between 5 and 11 years. If your child is 4 years old, you will not be able to get them vaccinated until after their 5th birthday. The vaccine is free, and your children do not need BC Care Cards to receive it.

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How can I explain how the COVID-19 vaccination works to my children?

Explain that the vaccine helps make sure they don’t get sick by quickly fighting off the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine is so powerful that it even helps to protect the people around them, including their family and friends. Kids Boost Immunity has videos that explain more. 

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A post shared by Ally (@squishyprints)

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COVID-19 vaccine dose & schedule (children)

My child got their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at 11 (the pediatric vaccine) and turned 12 before their second dose was due. What vaccine should they get?

A child who starts their COVID-19 vaccine series at 11 and turns 12 before their second dose should get the 30 mcg formulation approved for people 12 years and up for their second dose. If the child receives the pediatric vaccine (10 mcg formulation) for their second dose, it would be considered valid, and the series would be complete. 

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Will children aged 5 to 11 get the same dose as youth and adults?

No. Children aged five to 11 will get a smaller dose. The smaller dose works well because children have stronger immune responses than youth and adults. This means they can get a similar level of protection with a smaller dose.  The smaller dose may also mean a lower frequency of common reactions, such as redness and swelling at the injection site. 

  • The Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty™) mRNA vaccine used for children aged five to 11 has 10 micrograms of mRNA. The vaccine used for youth and adults has 30 micrograms. 
  • The Moderna (Spikevax™) mRNA vaccine used for children aged six to 11 has 50 micrograms of mRNA. The vaccine used for youth and adults has 100 micrograms. 
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Why is the time between dose one and two for 5- to 11-year-olds eight weeks, not the 21 days used in the clinical trials?

The eight-week interval in youth and adults has resulted in a stronger immune response, better protection against COVID-19 infection, and lower risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart). It is expected that it will be the same for 5 to 11-year-olds. In BC, the preferred interval between dose one and two is eight weeks for both mRNA vaccines for children.

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How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will children aged 5 to 11 get?

Most children aged 5 to 11 should get two doses of the vaccine about 8 weeks apart. Children in this age group who are moderately to severely immunosuppressed should receive a 3-dose primary series. Learn more about who is eligible to receive a third dose. A booster dose for this age group is not yet recommended.

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Should children who weigh more get a bigger dose?

No. Vaccine doses are based on age, not a child’s size or weight. 

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Risks of COVID-19 infection & benefits of vaccination (children)

What are the risks of COVID-19 infection in children aged 5 to 11? Isn’t it usually a mild disease in children?
While most children who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, some can get very sick. Unfortunately, with the Delta and Omicron variants, we are seeing more children getting sick and being hospitalized with COVID-19. Infected children are also able to pass on COVID-19 to other people in their families and communities.
 
Some children may continue to feel sick weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. Early studies suggest that "long COVID" is less common in children and young people than adults. 
 
Some children have a higher chance of more serious symptoms if they get COVID-19. This includes children with pre-existing conditions, especially more than one pre-existing condition, including:
 
  • obesity
  • chronic lung disease
  • congenital heart disease
  • epilepsy
  • neurodevelopmental disorders, including trisomy 21
Check with your healthcare provider or public health unit if you have any concerns.
 
Children are also at risk of developing a serious but rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after COVID-19 infection. MIS-C is caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation, and can appear several weeks after infection. As of March 25 2022, there have been 28 confirmed cases MIS-C in BC since January 1, 2020.

 

In this video, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses severe COVID-19 infection in children. 

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

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What are the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in children?
Vaccination helps keep children safe and is the best way to protect children from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.  
 
While most children who get COVID-19 have a minor illness, some can get very sick. Unfortunately, with the Delta and Omicron variants, we see more children getting sick and hospitalized with COVID-19.
 
Some children may continue to feel sick for weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or long COVID. Early studies suggest that long COVID is less common in children and young people than adults. 
 
Vaccinating children also helps: 
 
  • Protect family members, including siblings too young to get vaccinated and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if infected. 
  • Reduce the spread of the virus in the community. This helps protect people most at risk of getting sick from COVID-19, such as the elderly.
  • Reduce the risk of new variants of concern appearing. We don’t know if there will eventually be a variant of concern that causes more serious illness in children. 
  • Give children an added layer of protection in school or participating in sports, playdates, and other group activities.
 

In this video, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses the psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 on children and how vaccination can help. 

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

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Why should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine when it typically causes mild illness in children and is less effective against Omicron?
While COVID-19 tends to cause mild illness in most children, some children (including those with underlying medical conditions) can get severely ill from COVID-19. The Omicron variant spreads more easily from person to person, and more children are becoming infected and being hospitalized with COVID-19. Some children who get infected can:
 
  • Develop a serious but rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is caused by an exaggerated immune response, leading to severe widespread inflammation, and can happen several weeks after infection.
  • Continue to feel sick weeks or months after the initial illness. This is called Post-COVID-19 condition or “long COVID”. Early studies suggest that "long COVID" is less common in children and young people than adults. 
While vaccines are less effective at preventing infection from the Omicron variant (compared to other variants like Delta), they provide good protection against serious illness and hospitalization due to Omicron.
 
  • Vaccination reduces the risk of children getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others, including more vulnerable family and community members.
  • Vaccination is very important, even for those who have previously been infected with COVID-19. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection helps improve the immune response and may provide better and longer-lasting protection against current and future variants of the virus.
 
In this video, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses severe COVID-19 infection in children. 

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

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I heard that children and teens don’t transmit the COVID-19 virus to others. So how does my child or teen getting vaccinated help protect others?
Just like adults, children and teens can transmit (spread) COVID-19 to others. 
 
  • Early in the pandemic, children and teens were not often identified as spreaders of COVID-19. However, this was mostly because schools and activities were closed or not held in person.
  • Since things have opened up again, outbreaks among teens at camps, sporting events, and schools show that teens spread COVID-19.
  • Further, studies that looked at the risk of children and teens spreading COVID-19 to others in their households showed that they do spread the virus.
  • Children and teens can spread COVID-19 to others when they do not have symptoms.
Vaccination reduces the risk of children and teens getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. 
 
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COVID-19 vaccine safety (children)

I heard that the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine has caused serious side effects and death in young children. Is this true?

The two pediatric mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 to 11 years of age were shown to be safe in clinical trials. We also have real-world data as millions of children have safely received the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine.  Vaccine safety monitoring shows that:

  • The mRNA pediatric vaccines are safe.
  • Side effects are mostly mild.
  • Serious side effects are rare.
While there have been reports of death in young children following COVID-19 vaccination in the US, there is no evidence that the vaccine caused the deaths. 
 
  • A vaccine’s safety is continuously monitored after approval through the reporting of adverse events (an adverse event is an unexpected medical event that happens after vaccination that may or may not have been caused by the vaccine). 
  • A report of a death or other adverse event following vaccination does not mean that the vaccine caused it.
  • All reports of adverse events are investigated to determine if the event was caused by the vaccine or by something else that happened around the same time the vaccine was given.
  • The reporting of adverse events helps keep vaccines safe and helps ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh any risks. 
  • For a vaccination program to continue, the benefits of the vaccine must outweigh any known or potential risks.

Learn more about how vaccine safety is monitored.

In the video below, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses how there has been no concern around significant adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in children ages 5-11.

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

In this video, Dr. Julia Orkin, pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto & Medical Lead for the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service, answers the question: What are the most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children?

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Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe for children 5 to 11 years of age?
The vaccines are safe. There is a very strict process to test and approve vaccines in Canada. Health Canada only approves a vaccine if the data from clinical trials show the vaccine is safe and effective and that the vaccine's benefits outweigh any risks. 
 
Clinical trials looked at the immune response, safety and effectiveness of the vaccines for children.
 
  • The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was tested in children 5 to 11 years of age.
  • The Moderna vaccine was tested in children 6 to 11 years of age.
In these studies:
 
  • No safety issues were detected.
  • The vaccines were shown to provide very good protection against COVID-19 in the 2 months after vaccination.
Health Canada continues to monitor reactions reported following vaccination. Millions of children have safely received the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Canada and worldwide. The evidence continues to demonstrate that the vaccine:
 
  • Is safe.
  • Is effective against severe outcomes.
  • Has known and potential risks that can be treated.
  • Serious side effects continue to be very rare.

Learn more about how vaccine safety is monitored in Canada.

A recent CDC report released December 31, 2021 provides safety findings after more than 8 million doses of vaccine were given to children aged 5 to 11 in the United States. The report shows that:
 
  • Vaccine side effects were common but mostly mild and brief and included things like pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache (mild side effects are a normal sign the body is building protection). 
  • Cases of myocarditis appear to be rare among children in this age group; there were 11 verified reports of myocarditis after over 8 million vaccine doses were administered, and of these 11 children, all had recovered or were recovering at the time of the report.  

In this video, Dr. Julia Orkin, pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto & Medical Lead for the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service, answers the question: How can anyone be sure a vaccine developed so quickly is safe? 

In the video below, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses how mRNA vaccines have been researched for decades. 

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

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What are the side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children aged 5 to 11?
Side effects are part of the body's natural response to a vaccine. Some people have no side effects, while others may have some type of reaction. Reactions are most often mild and go away by themselves within hours or days. 
 
Common vaccine side effects may include:
 
  • Pain, redness, swelling  and itchiness where the vaccine was given.
  • More general symptoms, such as tiredness, headache, fever, chills, muscle or joint soreness, swollen lymph nodes under the armpit, nausea and vomiting. 
 
A  CDC report released December 31, 2021 provides safety findings after more than 8 million doses of vaccine were given to children aged 5 to 11 in the United States. The report shows that:
 
  • Vaccine side effects were common but mostly mild and brief and included things like pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. 
  • Serious problems after vaccination were extremely rare.

In this video, Dr. Julia Orkin, pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto & Medical Lead for the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service, answers the question: What are the most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in children?

In this video, BC Children’s Hospital Infectious Disease Pediatric Physician Dr. Manish Sadarangani discusses how there has been no concern around significant adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination in children ages 5-11.

Video courtesy of BC Children’s Hospital

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Can mRNA vaccines cause myocarditis and pericarditis?
In rare cases, people have experienced myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) following vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. 
 
  • In Canada, this has occurred at a rate of about 3 cases per 100,000 doses of Moderna vaccine and 1.9 cases per 100,000 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • The risk of myocarditis is much greater following COVID-19 infection than following vaccination.
  • The majority of affected people, even if hospitalized, have experienced relatively mild illness, responded well to conservative treatment, and recovered quickly.
Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination occur:
 
  • Most commonly in adolescents and young adults (12 to 30 years of age).
  • Most often after the second dose. 
  • More often in males than females. 
  • More often after the Moderna vaccine than the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. 
Myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination in children 5 to 11 years of age:
 
No cases of myocarditis or pericarditis were observed in the Pfizer-BioNTech clinical trial in children 5 to 11 years of age. The trial included more than 3000 children. Since approval, millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children aged 5 to 11 worldwide. When millions of doses are given, very rare side effects can be detected. No cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis were identified in the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine (50 mcg) clinical trial in children 6 to 11 years of age. This trial included over 3000 children as well.
 
A CDC report released December 31, 2021 looked at safety data after more than 8 million doses of vaccine were given to children aged 5 to 11 in the United States. According to the report:
 
  • Cases of myocarditis following vaccination appear to be rare among children 5 to 11 years of age. 
  • There were 11 verified reports of myocarditis after over 8 million vaccine doses were administered. 
  • Of these 11 children, all had recovered or were recovering at the time of the report. 
Symptoms of myocarditis and pericarditis to look out for:
 
  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm.
If your child experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Inform the health care provider that your child received a COVID-19 vaccine recently.
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Can the spike proteins generated by the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines cause harm?
There is no evidence that vaccine-generated spike proteins are harmful. 
 
  • The mRNA vaccines work by teaching our cells how to make a harmless spike protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. The body then makes antibodies to help you fight infection if the COVID-19 virus enters your body.
  • Some people are concerned that the spike proteins generated by COVID-19 vaccines can cause harm to the body’s organs or tissues. However, there is no evidence that the vaccine-generated spike proteins cause harm. 
  • COVID-19 infection, however, can damage many organs and tissues. It is important to focus on the right risk.
  • The vaccine-generated spike proteins don't last long in the body; the immune system quickly identifies, attacks, and destroys them.
  • Scientists estimate that the spike proteins, like other proteins our bodies create, may stay in the body for up to a few weeks.
Want to know more about this?
 
 
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Are there long-term side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in children?
The medical and scientific community is confident in the long-term safety of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for several reasons:
 
  • The history of vaccines shows that delayed effects after vaccination can happen. But when they do, these effects tend to happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine. This is why regulators in Canada and many other countries require at least eight weeks of safety data before approving a vaccine. The vaccines have now been in use for months, with over 2.7 billion doses given worldwide.
     
  • This is not new vaccine technology. The mRNA vaccines have been in development for many years and have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). In addition, cancer research has used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells. Years of studying mRNA vaccines has shown no long-term side effects.
     
  • Canada’s vaccine safety system has proven time and again that the data necessary to get through the approval process is sufficient to prove safety, even for the long term. The end data and safety tests for the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines met the same standards as other vaccines that have been approved in Canada. 
When considering long-term risks, a COVID-19 infection is a much more serious concern. 

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Can mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alter a person’s DNA?
 
  • Location – mRNA is active in the cytoplasm of a cell, whereas DNA is protected in the cell’s nucleus. The mRNA CANNOT enter the nucleus, so the two nucleic acids are never in the same place in the cell.
     
  • Process – mRNA is not DNA. So if a person’s DNA were going to be altered, the RNA would have to be made into DNA. This would require a special enzyme that only exists in some viruses. Coronaviruses are not one of them, as they have only single-stranded RNA, which means that when they enter into a cell’s cytoplasm, they don’t need to be translated. Proteins (like the spike protein) can be made directly from the RNA.
     
  • Stability — mRNA is not very stable. Its half-life in human cells is estimated in hours. For purposes of mRNA-based therapies, modifications have been developed to keep the molecule in cells long enough to allow for the therapy to be successful. But even with this, the mRNA will not lead to protein production for more than 10-14 days.
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COVID-19 vaccine & reproductive health (children)

Can COVID-19 vaccines affect menstruation?
Research on COVID-19 vaccination and the menstrual cycle is limited. However, results from two recent studies indicate that people may have a small change in menstruation (including changes in cycle length and bleeding) after COVID-19 vaccination, but that these changes are temporary. There continues to be no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines impact fertility.
 
Having COVID-19 itself can also impact the menstrual cycle. So can many other things, including stress, sleep, diet, exercise, and other infections. 
 
If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, please speak with your healthcare provider.
 
 
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Can COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility?

COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility, and there is no scientific reason to believe that they will cause infertility. Recent studies have shown that they do not impact fertility.

In response to the online rumours suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may affect future fertility, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada released a statement.

In this video, Dr. Julia Orkin, pediatrician at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto & Medical Lead for the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service, answers the question: Can the COVID-19 vaccine affect puberty or fertility in children?
 

In this video, Dr. Paul Offit from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explains why infertility is not a concern following COVID-19 or receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Informed consent and COVID-19 vaccination (children)

Do children need a signed consent form to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A COVID-19 consent form is not required. However, there are consent forms that the BCCDC has created that the clinic may choose to use. If a parent/guardian is unable to attend the clinic with the child, the form can be completed and brought with the child.
 
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Who can give consent for a child to get their COVID-19 vaccine?
Parents or guardians typically provide consent for their child to be vaccinated. However, there are other individuals who may have the authority to consent to vaccination on behalf of the child, including foster parents and custodial caregivers (for example, a grandmother or aunt raising the child). A parent/guardian can also give another individual permission to give consent for their child’s vaccination. A note must be provided that includes the following information: 
 
  • Name of the parent/guardian
  • Name and date of birth of the child
  • Name of the individual given authority to consent
  • Date and signature of the parent/guardian who has given their authority to another individual

Only one parent or legal guardian is required to give consent. The process for collecting consent may be different depending on the immunization clinic you attend.

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Other questions about COVID-19 vaccines (children)

What does the World Health Organization (WHO) say about children getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) plays an important role in providing recommendations globally, not regionally. This means the WHO prioritization for vaccination at a global level may be different than that of Canada or BC, because they have to look at the big picture worldwide. 
 
The WHO (January 21, 2022) states: "Children and adolescents tend to have milder disease compared to adults, so unless they are part of a group at higher risk of severe COVID-19, the priority should be to fully vaccinate older people, those with chronic health conditions and health workers."      
 
This statement reflects the fact that, as a global community with a limited vaccine supply, it's more urgent to vaccinate people most at risk around the world, such as older people, those with chronic health conditions, and healthcare workers, before we turn our attention to vaccinating those who are less at risk. 
 
We are fortunate in BC that we have vaccinated the majority of our population and still have vaccines, and we can offer them to children and youth. This is a privilege that much of the world does not have, which is why the WHO recommendation focuses on vaccinating those most at risk. 

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Getting the influenza vaccine

Why should I get the influenza vaccine?
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against influenza, a disease that can cause serious illness and sometimes death. In Canada, thousands of people are hospitalized and may die from influenza and its complications during years with widespread or epidemic influenza activity. Influenza can lead to serious illness in seniors over 65 years and in other high-risk groups. Even healthy people can get very sick from influenza. When you get vaccinated, you help protect others, too, by reducing the spread of the influenza virus.
 
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Is the influenza vaccine free?
Yes. This year, influenza vaccination is free for everyone in B.C. 6 months and older. The influenza vaccine is especially important for people who are at high risk of serious illness from influenza (such as young children, pregnant people, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions), those able to transmit or spread influenza to those at high risk, and people who provide essential community services and those who work with live poultry. 
 
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When are influenza vaccines available in BC?
In BC, influenza vaccines are usually available in October. You can visit your local health authority's website or contact your local health unit for information on influenza vaccine availability in your area.
 
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Where can I get an influenza vaccine?

Influenza vaccines are provided at a wide variety of locations across the province, including:

  • Public health clinics
  • Pharmacies (pharmacists can immunize people 5 years of age and older with the injectable vaccine and 2 years and older with the nasal spray influenza vaccine)
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Travel clinics

Services vary by location. You can use our Influenza (Flu) Clinic Locator to find an influenza vaccine clinic near you.

You can also find a pharmacy offering influenza vaccinations near you and book an appointment online by visiting the B.C. Pharmacy Association website.  

Use the Fluzone High-Dose Locator to find a pharmacy that has the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine for purchase.

 
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When is the best time to get the influenza vaccine?
The influenza season in Canada generally runs from November through April. In B.C., influenza vaccines are usually available starting in October. Although you can receive the vaccine at any time during the influenza season, for best protection, you should get vaccinated as early as possible (as soon as the vaccine is available in your area). It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza. 
 
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Why do I need an influenza vaccine every year?
An influenza vaccine is needed every year for two reasons:
  1. Influenza viruses are constantly changing (mutating), so each yea the viruses used to make the vaccine change to protect you against the viruses circulating that year.
  2. Protection from the influenza vaccine goes down over time. According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, yearly vaccination is needed because the body’s immune response from vaccination goes down "within a year".  
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Is there a mobile clinic that can come to our work location to vaccinate our employees?

A number of organizations, including private health care agencies, pharmacies, and travel clinics, have offered this service in the past. This information can be found online by searching for workplace influenza (flu) vaccine clinics in B.C. or by contacting your local pharmacy or travel clinic. ImmunizeBC does not endorse any one organization, and we recommend that you contact the specific organization for details.

 

Your local health unit may have information on who provides this service in your area. 

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Is there a way to get in-home influenza vaccines for those who are housebound?

You can contact your local health unit for this information. Ask to speak to a public health nurse.

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We work with developmentally disabled adults, some of whom are very needle phobic. Is there a possibility to arrange for them to get the nasal spray vaccine?

Contact your local health unit to see if this can be arranged. Ask to speak to a public health nurse. 

 
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Can I get the influenza vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, like the pneumococcal or shingles vaccine?

Influenza vaccines can be given at the same time or any time before or after other vaccines.

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Can I get the influenza vaccine the same day as a TB skin test?
The influenza vaccine can be given at the same time or at any time before or after a TB skin test (Mantoux test) is done. Influenza vaccines will not affect the result of the TB test. 
 
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Who should get the influenza vaccine?
It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get an influenza vaccine, with rare exception. Some people are at high risk of serious illness from influenza, such as children 6 months to less than 5 years of age, pregnant people, seniors 65 years and older, and people with certain medical conditions. Vaccination is especially important for these people.
 
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Fluzone High Dose

Why is Fluzone® High-Dose not free for all people 65 years of age and older in BC?

In B.C., decisions to fund a vaccine program are made by the Ministry of Health, based on recommendations from the Communicable Disease Policy Advisory Committee. These recommendations are based on scientific evidence and recommendations from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Although Fluzone® High-Dose may provide better protection on an individual level, there are other things that the Ministry of Health has to consider, such as the protection it provides, reduction in disease, how many people need to be vaccinated to reduce influenza disease, and the cost of the program compared to the benefit to the population. In B.C., the scientific data was reviewed, and at this time it was determined that only those at the highest risk for influenza will be able to receive Fluzone High-Dose for free. Others may choose to buy the vaccine at a local pharmacy or travel clinic. For more information about which influenza vaccine is right for you, talk to your health care provider.
 

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Who in BC can receive the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine for free?

Adults 65 years of age and older living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, and First Nations communities are considered to be at higher risk of serious illness from influenza and are eligible to receive the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine for free.

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What is the cost of the Fluzone® High-Dose vaccine?
Those who are not eligible for the publicly funded (free) program can purchase the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine at some pharmacies and travel health clinics. A prescription is not required.
 
The cost of the vaccine can range from about $75 to $100, depending on the clinic and their vaccine administration fee. Use the Fluzone High-Dose Locator to find a pharmacy that has the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine. 
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I received a regular influenza vaccine already this season. Can I now get Fluzone® High-Dose as well?

It is not recommended that anyone receive more than one dose of influenza vaccine in a season except for certain children aged 6 months to 8 years, for whom two doses are recommended if it is their first time receiving an influenza vaccine. Any of the available influenza vaccine products are safe and effective. 

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Influenza vaccine & children

Where do I get the numbing cream for my child to use before they get the vaccine?

You can buy numbing creams and patches at your local pharmacy. You do not need a prescription from your health care provider to buy them. Here is some information about the numbing creams and patches.

 
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Why do children under 9 receiving the influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses?

Children under 9 need 2 doses of the influenza vaccine the first year they receive it for best protection. The first dose of the influenza vaccine “primes” the immune system but may not result in high levels of protection.  So, a second dose is needed to raise their level of protection. The second dose results in the child's immune system producing enough antibodies so they will be able to fight off influenza when they come in contact with it.

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My child had their first dose of influenza vaccine last month and needs their second dose. Do both vaccines have to be the same product?
If a child (aged less than 9 years) requires 2 doses of influenza vaccine in the same influenza season, using the same type of vaccine for both doses is preferable. However, if the type of vaccine used for the first dose is not available, any product may be used for the second dose.
 
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Where can my child get the nasal spray vaccine?

Visit the Influenza (Flu) Clinic locator and check the “Nasal spray available” box to find a pharmacy offering the vaccine. Your local health unit may also have the nasal spray vaccine.

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Influenza vaccine safety

I am receiving treatment for cancer. Can I get the influenza vaccine?

In general, people with cancer are considered at high risk for serious illness from influenza (the flu) and should get the inactivated influenza (flu) vaccine. However, the type of treatment you receive may affect the timing of when you should get the vaccine. We recommend that you speak with your health care provider about getting vaccinated. As a precaution, people with weakened immune systems should not get the live vaccine.

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Are influenza vaccines safe for pregnant people?

The inactivated influenza vaccine is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant people, or those intending to become pregnant, should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine, which contains killed influenza viruses that cannot cause infection.

People in the second half of pregnancy are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and at higher risk of hospitalization from these complications, especially those in the third trimester. As well, people at any stage of pregnancy who have chronic medical conditions are also at higher risk of serious influenza complications and should be vaccinated.

Visit our pregnancy section to learn more about vaccines and pregnancy.
 

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I am immunosuppressed due to medication I am taking. Can I get the influenza vaccine?
Influenza immunization with the inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended for all immunosuppressed individuals. People with immunosuppression (due to underlying disease or therapy) are at high risk of serious illness from influenza. As a precaution, people with weakened immune systems should not get the live vaccine. However, in order to assess if you can safely get this vaccine, we recommend that you contact your immunizing health care provider (public health nurse, physician or pharmacist). 
 
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I had GBS with paralysis two years ago. Can I safely receive the influenza vaccine this year?
People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 8 weeks of getting a previous dose of influenza vaccine with no other cause identified should not get the influenza vaccine. People who have developed GBS outside this time period or who have a different cause confirmed may receive the vaccine.
 
While the cause of GBS is not fully understood, the syndrome often happens after an infection with a virus or bacteria. For further questions, speak with a healthcare provider about your health history and risk of GBS from influenza virus compared to the vaccine. Studies suggest that it is more likely that a person will get GBS after getting influenza than after vaccination. It is important to keep in mind that severe illness and death are associated with influenza, and getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its complications.
 
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Can I get an influenza vaccine while I am breastfeeding? Is it safe for my baby? What about other vaccines?

There is no risk to you or your baby to receive the influenza vaccine (flu shot by injection) while you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding people should get the flu shot to protect themselves from the flu. Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of getting sick and of passing the influenza on to your baby, thus protecting the baby also. This is especially important for children younger than 6 months old since they are too young to receive the influenza vaccine themselves. 

 

Routine Vaccines

Vaccines are important for the health of breastfeeding people and their babies. In general, most routine vaccines can be safely given if you are breastfeeding. There have been no reported safety concerns related to giving routine vaccines to breastfeeding people or their babies. There is no evidence that immunization during breastfeeding will have a negative impact on the immune response of breastfeeding people and their babies.

 

Non routine vaccines

There are a few instances when vaccination is not recommended during breastfeeding, which are related to live travel vaccines or vaccines rarely or not used in Canada (yellow fever vaccine, oral typhoid vaccine, BCG vaccine and live replicating smallpox vaccine).

 

Find more information in our pregnancy section. If you have further questions, we recommend you speak to your primary care provider.

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Is the influenza vaccine safe during pregnancy? Also, is it safe for pregnant people to receive vaccines with thimerosal?

Pregnant people should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine (given by injection). There is good evidence to show the flu shot is safe for pregnant people and their babies. In BC, influenza vaccine may be provided by prenatal care providers including family doctors and midwives, but can also be provided by specialty prenatal care service providers and by community-based pharmacists, or at the local health unit. Read more in our pregnancy section.

Thimerosal is in multi-dose vials only, but the amount of thimerosal in flu vaccines is very low. The ingredients in vaccines have been carefully studied for a long time and are safe in the small amounts used in vaccines. Pregnant people can receive an influenza vaccine with thimerosal unless the person has a systemic allergy to thimerosal. Read more in our safety section.

If you have further questions, we recommend you speak to your pregnancy care provider.

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Influenza vaccine & side effects

What are the side effects of the influenza vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is very safe, and many people do not experience side effects. Common reactions to the vaccine include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, aching muscles, and fatigue that may last 1 to 2 days. 
 
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How do I report an unexpected side effect?

It is important to report any unexpected side effects to the health care provider that gave you the vaccine so that they can be investigated further, even if you don't know if the vaccine caused them. By reporting an adverse event (a serious or unexpected reaction that happens after someone receives a vaccine), possible vaccine safety concerns can be investigated and appropriate actions taken. If you don't know who gave you your vaccine, contact your local health unit and ask to speak to a public health nurse. 

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Influenza vaccine ingredients & allergies

Can I get an influenza vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says that people who are allergic to eggs, including those who have experienced anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergy) after eating eggs, can be safely vaccinated with a full dose of inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccine. This recommendation is supported by more and more research that shows it is safe to vaccinate people who are allergic to eggs using inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccines. 

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What virus strains do the 2021/22 influenza vaccines protect against?
Because influenza viruses change often (mutate), the specific virus strains in the vaccine are reviewed each year by the WHO and updated as needed so that there is the greatest probability of matching the virus strains that are circulating in the community. The 2021/2022 influenza vaccines contain the following strains:
 
  • A/Victoria/2570/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
  • A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020 (H3N2)-like virus
  • B/Washington/02/2019-like virus
  • B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus 
The A/Victoria and A/Cambodia strains were not contained in the 2020/21 season vaccines.
 
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Influenza vaccine effectiveness

How effective are influenza vaccines?
The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza. How well the vaccine works varies from season to season. It depends on how well-matched the influenza vaccine is with the viruses circulating during the season and on the health and age status of the person being vaccinated. When the influenza vaccine is well-matched with the circulating viruses, it prevents influenza in about 60% to 80% of adults and youth receiving the vaccine. It is less effective in seniors and elders, but studies have shown that the influenza vaccine decreases the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admissions, and death in the elderly population.
 
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Do we know how effective the 2021/22 influenza vaccine will be?
We won't know the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine until closer to the end of the influenza season when information about people who were infected, sick, and died is analyzed after the fact. The vaccine effectiveness this year will be difficult to measure due to all of the public health measures in place for COVID-19.
 
Even when there is a less-than-ideal match or lower effectiveness against one virus strain, the seasonal influenza vaccine can still provide protection against the other virus strains contained in the vaccine. If you do get influenza after getting vaccinated, the vaccine may reduce the severity of influenza-related complications. 
 
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Other questions about influenza vaccination

How do influenza vaccines work?

Influenza vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the virus strains that are in the vaccine. Learn more about how vaccines work in our how vaccines work section. 

Influenza vaccines are designed to protect against the influenza virus strains that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming influenza season.

 
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Why is it more important this year than ever to get vaccinated against influenza?
Getting an influenza vaccine is more important than ever this year to protect yourself and the people around you from influenza and to help reduce the strain on our overstretched health care system responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
The symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza can be similar and make people sick enough to go to the hospital. By getting your influenza vaccine, you can help the health care system keep resources available to help those with COVID-19. In addition, last year’s low influenza rates mean our immunity against influenza is lower than usual. This makes getting your influenza vaccine this year more important than ever to protect yourself, your community, and our overstretched health care system.
 
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How can I tell if I have influenza or if I have COVID-19?
Influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it may be hard to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. It is best to confirm your COVID-19 diagnosis with a test and follow COVID-19 prevention measures to help keep others safe.
 
Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than influenza and can cause more serious illnesses in some people. In addition, people with COVID-19 can take longer to show symptoms and can be contagious for longer than those with influenza. 
 
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Can influenza vaccines give me influenza?

The inactivated influenza vaccine cannot give you influenza. This vaccine contains killed influenza viruses that cannot cause infection. The live attenuated influenza vaccine given as a nasal spray contains weakened influenza viruses. Common reactions to the live vaccine include mild symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and fever. These symptoms are less severe than those from influenza infection and last a shorter time. As a precaution, people with weakened immune systems should not get the live vaccine.

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What are influenza vaccines?

Influenza vaccines protect against viruses that cause influenza, often called the flu. The vaccine does not protect against other viruses or bacteria that cause colds or stomach flu. Influenza is an infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza A or B virus. It can cause serious illness and sometimes death. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against influenza. 

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Is it safe to get vaccinated if?

Is it safe for I or my child to get vaccinated when we are sick? Should we stay home from the vaccination appointment?
Most of the time, it is safe to get vaccines when you or your child are sick with a mild or moderate illness, even if there is a fever. These illnesses do not change the effectiveness of vaccines or increase the risk of vaccine side effects. 
 
Examples of mild or moderate illnesses include the common cold, ear infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses. If you or your child are taking antibiotics or antivirals, there is no need to delay most vaccines.
 
Severe illness may be a reason to delay vaccination. If you or your child have a serious illness, talk to your doctor or public health nurse. They can help determine if it is safe to get vaccinated or reschedule your vaccination appointment.
 
Waiting until you or your child are recovered from an illness that can spread from person to person (like COVID-19) ensures that you are not putting others at risk of infection at the vaccination clinic. Further, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the worsening of an illness and potential vaccine side effects. 
 
Due to COVID-19, there are enhanced infection control measures at vaccination clinics. Please get in touch with your local health unit, doctor’s office or pharmacy before an appointment. You can also call 8-1-1 and discuss your concerns with a nurse anytime, day or night.
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I am immunocompromised. Is it safe for me to get vaccinated?

Many people who are immunocompromised can safely receive routine vaccines. Health care providers follow specific schedules and vaccine recommendations for immunocompromised people. Some immunocompromised people may not be able to receive live vaccines except when approved by their primary care provider or specialist.

 

Individuals may be immunocompromised as a result of a condition they are born with or an illness or medication that weakens their immune system. In general, immunocompromised persons are more susceptible to vaccine-preventable infections and may have severe infections. This makes staying up-to-date with vaccinations especially important.

 

Tell your healthcare provider if you are immunocompromised.

 

 

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I have a chronic disease. Is it safe for me to get vaccinated?
Many people living with chronic diseases can safely receive routine vaccines. Chronic diseases may increase a person's risk of infection or their risk of more severe disease should infection occur; this makes getting vaccinated especially important.
 
There may be different vaccine schedules or recommendations for people living with certain chronic diseases. Your healthcare provider (medical specialist, doctor, or public health nurse) can tell you which vaccines are recommended for you.
 
Examples of chronic diseases include asplenia or hyposplenia, chronic renal disease, neurologic disorder, chronic lung, heart, and liver disease, endocrine and metabolic diseases, non-malignancy hematologic disorders, autoimmune conditions, cancer, and chronic salicylate therapy in children.
 
Tell your healthcare provider if you are living with a chronic disease.
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Is it safe to repeat vaccines? I can’t find my vaccination record.

Without a record of vaccination (or proof of immunity to a disease), a person is considered unvaccinated and unprotected and should generally be vaccinated (or revaccinated) to ensure protection. It is safe to repeat vaccines.

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Do vaccines cause that?

Do vaccines cause chronic illness or other long-term health problems?
  • There is no evidence that vaccines cause health problems such as autism, asthma, SIDS, or autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
  • We learn about a vaccine’s safety during clinical trials before it is approved and monitor it’s safety continually as millions of doses are administered after its approval.
  • We’ve been monitoring the safety of vaccines for more than 50 years and we can say that the chance a vaccine will cause unexpected long-term health problems is extremely low. 
 
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Can vaccines cause autism?
  • Many large studies have found that vaccines do NOT cause autism.
  • A number of credible studies have compared the health of vaccinated and unvaccinated children over many years. They have found that unvaccinated children were just as likely to develop autism as vaccinated children.
  • It is not known exactly why some children develop autism; current research suggests that both genetics and environment likely play a role.
  • Because children with autism are often diagnosed after the age when they receive some vaccines, this has led some people to think that vaccines cause autism. But just because one thing happens after another, it does not mean there is a link between them.
  • Much of the controversy around a possible link between the MMR vaccine and autism came from a single small study published in 1998.
  • The study was found to be fraudulent and was withdrawn by the journal that published it.
  • Many large, high-quality scientific studies around the world have since taken place and have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. A summary of several of these studies and their conclusions is available at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4026.pdf.
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Can vaccines cause SIDS?
Vaccines have not been shown to cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Infants receive multiple vaccines between two and four months of age. This period is also when the risk of SIDS is highest. This has led some people to question if the two are related. However, because the incidence of SIDS is the same in children who do or do not receive vaccines, we know that SIDS is not caused by vaccines.
 
An example of how the hepatitis B vaccine was shown to not cause SIDS: 
 
  •  In 1999, a news program in the US aired a story claiming that the hepatitis B vaccine caused SIDS.
  • At the time of the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine for routine use in all infants, about 5,000 children died every year from SIDS.
  • Within 10 years of the introduction of the hepatitis B vaccine the use of the vaccine increased to about 90 percent of all infants receiving hepatitis B vaccine and the incidence of SIDS in that age group decreased dramatically to about 1,600 cases each year.
  • The cause of the decrease in SIDS cases was attributed to the introduction of the “Back to Sleep” program by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  • However, since immunizations are given to about 90 percent of children less than 1 year of age, and about 1,600 cases of SIDS occur every year, it would be expected, statistically, that every year about 50 cases of SIDS will occur within 24 hours of receipt of a vaccine. 
Multiple research studies and safety reviews have looked at possible links between vaccines and SIDS. The evidence added up over many years does not show any links between childhood immunization and SIDS. Some studies have found that infants who died of SIDS were less likely to have been immunized.
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Do vaccines cause asthma and allergic diseases?

Several large studies have looked at the risk of developing asthma following receipt of a number of different childhood vaccines. Vaccines were not shown to cause asthma or allergic diseases. 

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Do vaccines cause autoimmune diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS)?
There is no evidence that vaccines cause autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
 
  • Several studies have shown that vaccines are not associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.
  • Several studies have been done that have found no evidence that vaccines cause MS or flare-ups of MS.
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Can getting multiple vaccines at the same time overwhelm my baby's immune system?
No. Getting multiple vaccines at the same visit will not overwhelm your baby’s immune system. It’s safe, and makes sure your baby is protected sooner rather than later. 
 
  • Every day, a healthy infant’s immune system successfully fights off millions of germs (antigens) they come across in their surroundings.
  • Vaccines contain only a tiny fraction of the antigens (germs) that infants come across every day.
  • Infants are born with thousands of antibodies that provide protection. They are ready to fight against many different diseases. They are also born with the immune cells that are needed to make antibodies in response to getting many vaccines at one time.
  • Theoretically, infants have the capacity to produce one billion antibodies. So, it is estimated that they could handle up to 10,000 vaccines at any one time.
  • Vaccines do not overwhelm or weaken a child’s immune system. Instead, they make it stronger by providing protection against diseases.
  • Even combination vaccines, which protect against multiple diseases, are easy for your child’s immune system to handle.
As one doctor put it, “Worrying about too many vaccines is like worrying about a thimble of water getting you wet when you are swimming in an ocean.”
 
Listen to Dr. Paul Offit MD, talk about whether babies get too many vaccines.
 

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Can a vaccine give me or my child the disease it’s supposed to prevent?
It isn’t possible for inactivated (killed) vaccines to cause disease. This is because a germ has to be alive to cause disease.
 
Some vaccines contain weakened live versions of the whole germ, such as Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, and chickenpox (varicella) vaccine. These weakened germs in live vaccines will not cause the disease in a person with a healthy immune system. However, live vaccines are not given to people with very weak immune systems as they may develop the disease the vaccine is meant to protect against. Your health care provider will make sure that you or your child can safely receive a live vaccine before giving it.
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Vaccine side effects & reactions

How do I report an adverse event (a serious or unexpected side effect or medical event) following vaccination?
Please report any adverse events (serious or unexpected side effects or medical events following vaccination) to the health care provider who gave you the vaccine. You can also report an adverse event to your own health care provider (if different from who gave you the vaccine), or you can call your local health unit and ask to speak with a public health nurse.
 
Health care providers are trained to report these events to the correct channels. Reporting adverse events following vaccination is an important part of Canada's vaccine safety monitoring process. Read more about vaccine safety monitoring. 
 
If you are concerned about any serious reactions, call your doctor, your local health unit, or call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse. If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. 
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Can vaccines cause side effects?
Yes. Like any medication or supplement (including vitamins), vaccines can cause side effects. 
 
  • Vaccine side effects are usually minor, such as a sore arm or mild fever, and go away within a few days.
  • Many people have no side effects at all.
  • Serious side effects are very rare.
  • The risks from the diseases that vaccines prevent are much greater than the risk of vaccine side effects.
You can find general information on vaccine side effects:
 
You can find information on side effects of specific vaccines in: 
 
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Where can I find information on vaccine side effects?
You can find general information on vaccine side effects on:
 
You can find information on side effects of specific vaccines in: 
 
During the vaccination appointment, your health care provider will review the vaccine side effects and will advise that you seek medical attention if you or your child experiences a serious or unexpected reaction.
 
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What should I do if I or my child have an unexpected or serious reaction to a vaccine?
  • Contact the health care provider who gave the vaccine to report the reaction. 
  • Contact your local health unit if you don't know who gave the vaccine. Ask to speak with a nurse.
  • If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1. 
It is important to report any unexpected or serious reactions (called adverse events) to your health care provider so that they can be investigated further. It is important to report the adverse event even if you don’t know if it was caused by the vaccine. By reporting adverse events, possible vaccine safety concerns can be investigated and appropriate actions are taken.
 
Serious reactions to vaccines are very rare. 
 
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Where can I report an adverse event (unexpected or serious vaccine reaction)?
  • Contact the health care provider that gave the vaccine to report the reaction.
  • If you don't know who provided the vaccine, you can contact a health unit near you and ask to speak with a nurse. 
Vaccine safety is important. Reporting potential adverse events (unexpected or serious reactions) following immunization is a part of Canada's vaccine safety monitoring process.
 
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If someone has a bad reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine, can they be vaccinated again?

Most people who have an adverse event (unexpected or serious reaction) following vaccination can safely get vaccinated again. Your health care provider will tell you what is recommended for you or your child.

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Other questions about vaccine safety

How long does it take for a vaccine to be tested and approved for use in Canada?
It can take up to ten years or longer for a vaccine to be developed, tested, and approved for use by Health Canada. Occasionally, the process can be expedited (happen more quickly) if there is an urgent need for a vaccine (for example, during a pandemic). No safety steps are skipped in these cases, and the vaccine still has to meet all the same safety requirements. An example is COVID-19 vaccines. 
 
  • Vaccines are among the most strictly regulated medical products in Canada. 
  • All vaccines go through an in-depth testing process and must be shown to be safe and effective before they are approved for use in Canada. 
  • This process goes through several phases in order to gather all the scientific information necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. 
  • Once a vaccine has been approved for use, and for as long as the vaccine is used, its safety is continuously monitored. 
  • Canada has one of the best vaccine safety programs in the world.
 
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How do we know vaccines are safe?
Only vaccines that are proven to be safe, effective, and of high quality are approved for use in Canada. 
 
Here are some important things to know about vaccine safety:
 
  • The approval process for vaccines is more stringent than most drugs available in Canada.
  • It can take up to ten years or longer for a vaccine to be developed, tested, and approved for use by Health Canada. Occasionally, the process can be expedited (happen more quickly) if there is an urgent need for a vaccine (for example, during a pandemic). No safety steps are skipped in these cases, and the vaccine still has to meet all the same safety requirements. An example is COVID-19 vaccines. 
  • Health Canada only approves a vaccine if it is safe, it works, it meets manufacturing standards, and the benefits outweigh the risks.
  • Because vaccines are given to healthy people, including children, they are held to the highest safety standard—even higher than most drugs used for treatment. 
  • Like any medicine or supplement (including vitamins), vaccines can cause side effects. Usually vaccine side effects are minor, such as a sore arm or mild fever, and go away quickly. Many people who receive vaccines have no side effects at all. Serious side effects are very rare. 
  • A vaccine’s safety is continuously monitored following its approval. 
  • Canada has several advanced systems in place (at the local, provincial, and national levels) to carefully monitor the safety of vaccines and detect any safety concerns. 
  • In the very rare event that a lot (batch) of vaccine results in an unexpected side effect, these systems can ensure that the rest of the lot is not used. 
 
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Is it safe to get more than one vaccine in the same limb (arm or leg)?
Yes, getting more than one vaccine in the same arm or leg is safe for both children and adults. For example, babies get two vaccines in one thigh muscle and one in the other at two months of age. Also, some vaccines go into the muscle, and some go into the subcutaneous tissue, so while they are given in the same limb, they are not given at the same injection site. For example, a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine goes into the muscle of your upper arm, and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine goes into the tissue in the back of your arm. 
 
Vaccines are tested and approved to be given at the same time as other vaccines. This does not increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of the vaccines. If you have questions or would like vaccinations given in different arms or legs, ask the health care provider who is giving the vaccine.
 
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Does Canada have a vaccine injury support program?
Yes. Canada’s Vaccine Injury Support Program is a federal program that provides financial support to you if it is determined that you have experienced a serious and permanent injury after receiving a Health Canada-approved vaccine, administered in Canada on or after December 8, 2020. Financial support is also available to dependents of a person who has died after vaccination. 
 
Information about adverse events is not shared between the Vaccine Injury Support Program and B.C.’s immunization program. If you submit a claim to the Vaccine Injury Support Program, please make sure you have also reported any adverse events to a healthcare provider in B.C. so that the event can be reported and vaccine safety can be monitored.
 
Canada has very high standards for vaccine safety. Health Canada:
 
  • Only approves vaccines in Canada after a thorough and independent review of the scientific evidence.
  • Works with others to monitor vaccines on the market, and can quickly make changes if they identify safety concerns.
It is very rare for a vaccine to result in a permanent injury. 
 
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Is getting the vaccine riskier than getting the disease?
No. For almost everyone, the risks from the diseases are far greater than the risks from vaccines that prevent them. However, there are rare exceptions, such as individuals with serious allergies to some vaccine ingredients, or those who cannot receive live vaccines because of weak immune systems.
 
Vaccine-preventable diseases cause serious illness and complications such as pneumonia, deafness, brain damage, heart problems, blindness, and paralysis, and carry a risk of lifelong disability and death. In comparison, vaccines carry very small risks. The main risks associated with vaccines are side effects, which are almost always minor and temporary. Serious adverse events from vaccines are very rare.
 
It’s important to remember that a choice not to vaccinate is not a risk-free choice. By not vaccinating, you are trading a small risk for a much more serious risk. Learn more.
 
Examine the evidence: Serious side effects are extremely rare. 
 
 
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Is it safe for my child to get more than one vaccine at the same time?

Yes. Getting more than one vaccine at the same time is safe and ensures you or your children are protected against serious diseases earlier rather than later. Research shows that routine childhood vaccines work just as well when they are given at the same visit as when they are given at separate visits, and that giving these vaccines at the same visit does not carry any extra safety risks.

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Are combination vaccines safe?
Yes, combination vaccines are safe.
 
  • Combination vaccines take two or more vaccines that could be given by themselves and put them into a single injection so that children can get protection against several diseases with just one shot.
  • The diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio, haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) vaccine, and measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are examples of combination vaccines.
  • Before a combination vaccine is approved for use, studies must show that the combination vaccine is just as safe and effective as each of the individual vaccines given separately.
  • Research shows that the side effects of combination vaccines are similar to those of the individual vaccines given separately.
  • The vast majority of side effects are very mild, such as temporary pain and swelling at the injection site.
  • Most of the vaccines available in combinations are not available separately. If one component of a vaccine is declined, all other components are also declined. For instance, refusing the measles vaccine means that a child cannot be vaccinated against rubella and mumps, either, because the measles vaccine in Canada is only available in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccines.
 
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My child accidentally got an extra dose of vaccine. Is this harmful?

Getting an extra dose of the routine childhood vaccines is not harmful. Extra doses are often given when a person’s vaccination history is unknown. 

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Getting the shingles vaccine

How often do you need the shingles vaccine? Do you need to get booster doses? How long does immunity from shingles vaccination last?

The Shingrix® vaccine is given in two doses, at least two to six months apart. The Shingrix® vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and long-lasting nerve pain (post herpetic neuralgia).

In research studies, immune responses have been shown up to 9 years after immunization. There is no current recommendation for booster doses of either shingles vaccine, which is an area of ongoing research. Read more about shingles.

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Why get vaccinated against HPV

Why are HPV vaccines important?
HPV vaccines help prevent cancer caused by HPV infection. HPV infection is a very common; 3 out of 4 sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections will go away on their own, some will not and can become cancerous over time. HPV infection can cause:
 
  • Cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
  • Cancers of the penis in men
  • Cancers of the anus and mouth and throat in both women and men
HPV infection can also cause genital warts. There are many different types of HPV. The types that cause genital warts are not the same as the types that cause cancer.
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How well do HPV vaccines work?
In women who have never been infected with HPV, the vaccines prevent almost 100% of cases of cervical cancer caused by the HPV types covered by the vaccine. The HPV9 vaccine prevents about 78% of cases of anal cancers in men caused by the two main types of HPV. The vaccine also prevents about 90% to 100% of cases of genital warts in men and women that are caused by two other types of HPV.
 
A recent 2019 study showed that B.C.'s school-based HPV immunization program has significantly reduced the rates of cervical pre-cancer in women. The study found that B.C. women who had received the HPV vaccine as Grade 6 girls had a 57% reduction in the incidence of cervical pre-cancer cells compared to unvaccinated women. 
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Who can get the HPV vaccine for free?

You can find a list of people eligible for a free HPV vaccine here. Those not eligible for the free vaccine can purchase the vaccine at most pharmacies and travel clinics. Some private health insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine.

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HPV vaccine safety

Are HPV vaccines safe?
Yes. HPV vaccines are safe. Vaccines are approved for use in Canada only if they meet very strict standards for safety and effectiveness. The HPV vaccine was well studied in clinical trials and was not approved for use in Canada until the studies showed that it was safe and effective. Since vaccine licensure, hundreds of millions of doses of HPV vaccines have been distributed worldwide. Vaccine safety monitoring has continued to show that the HPV vaccine is safe. Learn more about vaccine safety here.
 
Common reactions to the HPV vaccine are similar to reactions from other vaccines and include redness, swelling, and soreness in the arm where the vaccine was given. Fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle or joint ache may also occur. As with other vaccines, fainting has occurred following HPV vaccination. Fainting can occur with any medical procedure - not just the HPV vaccine—and people recover quickly.
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Do HPV vaccines cause serious side effects?
Serious side effects to all vaccines, including HPV vaccines, are extremely rare. In most cases, when serious side effects are reported, there is not enough information to determine whether the serious side effect was actually caused by the vaccine. It is important to understand the difference between a side effect that is caused by a vaccine and an unrelated event that happens to follow the receipt of a vaccine.
 
The benefits of getting the HPV vaccine greatly outweigh the very small risks. 
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I heard the HPV vaccine can cause infertility. Is this true?

Extensive research has shown no evidence that the HPV vaccine can cause infertility. In fact, HPV cancers (that the vaccine protects against) can lead to issues with fertility. 

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Is it safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to get the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccines are not recommended for use in pregnancy because the safety of the vaccines in pregnancy is unknown. However, if a pregnant woman happens to receive the HPV vaccine, it is important to note that the vaccine has not been shown to cause any harm to the baby. The HPV vaccine may be administered to breastfeeding women.

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HPV vaccine & sexual health

Do HPV vaccines promote earlier sexual activity?

There is no evidence that being vaccinated against HPV encourages earlier sexual activity.  What’s more, a study published in October 2018 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that since the implementation of the school-based HPV vaccination program in B.C., sexual risk behaviours reported by adolescent girls have either reduced or stayed the same. These findings contribute evidence against any association between HPV vaccination and risky sexual behaviours.

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Should I get the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?

The HPV vaccine works best when people are vaccinated before they become sexually active. However, a person should still get the vaccine even if they are already sexually active. This is because they are unlikely to have been exposed to all of the types of HPV contained in the vaccine. The HPV vaccines do not treat HPV infections.

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Do women still need Pap tests if they get the HPV vaccine?

Yes. It is important for women to get regular Pap tests because the HPV vaccine protects against most but not all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

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HPV vaccine schedule

How many doses of the HPV vaccine are needed?

The HPV vaccines are given as either two or three doses over a 6-month period. Children who start a series when they are 9 to 14 years of age need two doses given at least 6 months apart. People who start a series when 15 years of age and older and those with a weakened immune system need three doses.

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Why are HPV vaccines routinely given at such a young age?
HPV vaccines are routinely given in Grade 6 for two reasons:
 

1. Research shows that preteens have a better immune response to the vaccine than older teens. This means they will be better protected if they are exposed to HPV in the future.

2. The vaccine is best given before sexual activity begins (and before any exposure to HPV). Most people who become infected with HPV first catch it within 2 to 5 years of becoming sexually active, so it is important to vaccinate them before they begin sexual activity. 
 
Anyone who engages in any kind of sexual activity involving oral or genital contact can get HPV. Sexual intercourse is not necessary to get infected.
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Finding vaccine records

Can I get a copy of my or my child’s vaccination record from my local health unit?
Health units in B.C. maintain an electronic registry of immunizations provided by Public Health (public health nurses). Records may be available for pick-up at the health unit or sent by mail. If you or your child were vaccinated at a doctor’s office, at a pharmacy, or in a First Nations community, your records may not be in the Public Health registry. 
 
 
 
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I can't find my vaccination records. What can I do?
Here are some tips for finding your vaccination records:
 
  • Check your home for your paper record of vaccination. Try looking through baby books or other saved documents from your childhood.
  • Check with your parents or other caregivers to see if they have a record of your vaccinations.
  • Check with your current and previous family doctors. Keep in mind that vaccination records are kept at doctors' offices for a limited time.
  • Check with your local health unit if you were vaccinated at your local health unit or in school.
  • Check with your pharmacist if you were vaccinated at your local pharmacy.
  • Check with your community health nurse if you were vaccinated in a First Nations community.
Without a record of vaccination (or proof of immunity to a disease), a person is considered unvaccinated and unprotected. They should generally be vaccinated (or revaccinated) to ensure protection. It is safe to repeat vaccines. Blood tests to determine immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases are not routinely recommended or available for all diseases. Your health care provider can help determine what is best for you.
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How do I find out what vaccines I would have received as a child?

The vaccines you would have been offered as a child depends on where you were born and where you lived during your childhood. If you were vaccinated here in British Columbia, you can find the historical list of all of the vaccine programs within BC in the BCCDC Immunization Manual.

However, without a record of vaccination (or proof of immunity to a disease), a person is considered unvaccinated and unprotected. They should generally be vaccinated (or revaccinated) to ensure protection. It is safe to repeat vaccines. Blood tests to determine immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases are not routinely recommended or available for all diseases. Your health care provider can help determine what is best for you.

Find tips for locating vaccination records. 

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I never got a Child Health Passport for my child. Where can I get one?

Child Health Passports are given out by public health, usually during the first contact with public health after the baby is born (for example, a new baby visit) or by mail when there is no in-person contact. If you have not received a Child Health Passport, you can request one from your local health unit. 

Find your local health unit.

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I misplaced my child’s Child Health Passport. Can I get another one?
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Health only prints one Child Health Passport per baby born each year, and there is no extra stock.  You may wish to download and print the passport yourself
 
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I don't have a copy of my child's vaccination record. Where can I get one?
Health units in BC maintain an electronic registry of childhood vaccines provided by Public Health (public health nurses or community health nurses). If your child was vaccinated at a doctor's office, at a pharmacy, or in a First Nations community, their record might not be in the Public Health registry.
 
If you do not have a copy of your child's vaccination records, there are several places you can look:
 
  • Check your home for your child's paper record of vaccination. Try looking through baby books or other saved documents. In BC, childhood vaccines are most often recorded in the Child Health Passport.
  • Check with your local health unit if your child was vaccinated at the health unit or in school.
  • Check with your child's doctor if your child was vaccinated at their doctor's office.
  • Check with your pharmacist if your child was vaccinated at your local pharmacy.
  • Check with your community health nurse if your child was vaccinated in a First Nations community.
Children without vaccination records (or proof of immunity to disease) are considered unvaccinated and unprotected. These children should generally be vaccinated (or revaccinated) to ensure protection. It is safe to repeat vaccines. Blood tests to determine immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases are not routinely recommended or available for all diseases. Your health care provider can help determine what is best for your child.
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Moving to BC & vaccine records

I am moving to Canada from another country and my family and I got vaccinated at home. How do we get our vaccines entered into B.C.’s immunization records? What vaccines do we need to get in B.C.?
Please read our People new to BC section to help you with this process.
 
It’s important to take your family’s immunization records (a list of the vaccines your family has received in the past) to your local health unit to be checked. Public health will take a copy of your records and enter them into B.C.’s immunization record system. If your records are in a different language, a public health nurse may be able to help translate them. 
 
A public health nurse will:
  • Check your records.
  • Tell you if your family is missing any recommended vaccines.
  • Give missing vaccines for free that are part of the routine BC immunization schedule.

Find B.C’s immunization schedules.

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We just moved to BC. How do I report my child's vaccinations?
If you have just moved to BC:
 
  • It is recommended that you contact your local health unit to report your child's vaccinations.
  • A public health nurse will check your child's record and recommend and provide any missing vaccines (vaccine schedules differ between provinces and countries).
  • After your child’s record has been checked, the information will be entered into an electronic health record that will be created for your child.
  • You can request a copy of your child’s record from your local health unit at any time.  
  • If your records are in a different language, a public health nurse may be able to help translate them. 
 
 
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My child was vaccinated in another province/country. How do I get their records?

If possible, it's advised that you attempt to obtain your child's records from your previous health care provider in the province or country they were vaccinated in.  

 

A child without a record of vaccination, or proof of immunity, is considered unvaccinated and unprotected. In general, it is advised that children without written documentation of vaccination get vaccinated according to the schedule for their current age. Getting extra doses of vaccine is not harmful and ensures protection. 

 

Find tips on locating immunization records.  

 

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We are moving to Canada and my family and I got vaccinated in our home country. Are the vaccine brands different between countries and B.C.? We don’t have our vaccine records, do we need to get antibody tests in B.C.?

Please read our People new to BC section to help you with this process.

 

Immunization programs vary throughout the world based on the vaccine preventable disease risks in that country and other factors. There may be differences in both vaccines offered and vaccine brands. Depending on where you moved from, and the vaccines you or your family have received in the past, you may need other vaccines now that you’ve moved to B.C. This is because vaccine recommendations in B.C. may be different than in your home country.

 

  • Antibody tests are not routinely needed before getting vaccinated in B.C.
  • If you’ve lost your immunization records, try contacting your doctor's office or clinic in your home country or province and ask that they send the records to you.
  • Without a record of immunization (or proof of immunity to a disease), a person is considered unimmunized and unprotected.
  • They should generally be vaccinated (or revaccinated) to ensure protection. It is safe to repeat vaccines.
  • You can find B.C’s immunization schedules for infants and children, school-age children, and adults here.
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Travel vaccines & Adults

In childhood, I followed the BC vaccination schedule. As an adult travelling outside of Canada, do I need boosters of routine vaccines or travel vaccines?
Some vaccines given in childhood are considered suitable for your lifetime, and others require boosters to maintain protection against that vaccine-preventable disease. An immunizing healthcare professional can review your vaccination history and ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date. 
 
When travelling internationally, you may be at risk for many diseases rarely found in Canada but are common in other parts of the world. Visiting a travel health clinic at least six weeks before leaving BC is preferable as you may need routine and travel vaccinations. Recommendations depend on your age, overall health, planned travel activities, and local conditions.
 
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What vaccines do I need for travel outside of Canada?
We do not provide travel vaccine recommendations at ImmunizeBC. You will need to contact your health care provider or a travel clinic (preferably 6 weeks before you travel) to find out which vaccines are recommended for your travel destination.
 
When travelling outside of Canada, you may be at risk for a number of diseases that are rarely found in Canada but are common in other parts of the world. 
 
 
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TWINRIX®

I had two doses of the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) and missed my third dose at six months. Do I have to restart the schedule?
No, you do not have to restart the vaccine schedule because:
  • For many vaccines, a longer interval between vaccine doses results in higher antibody levels after the series has been completed.
  • For most vaccines, antibody levels decline gradually over time. Even months or years later, another vaccine dose can boost antibodies to higher levels.
The combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) routine adult schedule provides full protection once you receive all three doses. Please speak to your immunization provider to complete your vaccine series.
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Do you need to get a booster of the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) if you already had three doses?
The combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) is typically provided to adults on a schedule of 0, 1, 6 months, and this does not require a booster dose at a later date.
 
There is also a three-dose accelerated schedule given to adults immediately before travel, and a booster is needed at least 12 months later. If you had an accelerated series in the past, it is important to get a booster now to ensure full protection. Look at your vaccination records and if you had an accelerated schedule, contact a travel clinic or pharmacy about getting a booster dose.
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How long does the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) vaccine provide protection?
The combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) provides protection (immunity) for at least ten years and likely for a lifetime once you complete the full series. Currently, there is no recommendation for a booster dose of TWINRIX®. 
 
  • The routine TWINRIX® schedule for adults is three vaccine doses over six months (0, 1, 6 month schedule).
  • Sometimes, a rapid dose schedule is used when people are about to travel and have less time. It may be given in four doses, with the first dose followed by doses at seven days, 21 to 30 days, and 12 months.  
  • If you have other questions, please contact a travel vaccination provider.
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I would like to get the combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) for travel. How much does it cost?

The combination hepatitis A and B vaccine (TWINRIX®) is not part of BC's publicly-funded (free) vaccination program. It is available for purchase from travel health clinics, most pharmacies and some doctors' offices.

 

ImmunizeBC does not have a list of vaccine prices, but the TWINRIX® vaccine may cost $80-85 per dose (at least three doses required). The health care provider may also charge a travel consultation or vaccine administration fee. Services and prices vary throughout BC.

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Travel vaccines & Children

Is it safe to travel internationally with children if they haven't completed their routine vaccinations? How long does it take for them to be protected?
When travelling internationally, you and your children may be at risk for many diseases rarely found in Canada but are common in other parts of the world. Visiting a travel health clinic at least six weeks before leaving BC is preferable because some vaccines may take several weeks to become fully effective, and others may require more than one dose. Click here for a list of travel clinics in BC.
 
Parents or guardians need to weigh international travel benefits and risks in consultation with a travel health professional. The travel health visit is an opportunity to:
  • review vaccination histories
  • make sure the family's BC vaccination schedules are up-to-date
  • determine if children can receive any vaccines early
  • Your family may need additional travel vaccinations depending on ages, planned travel activities and local conditions. Click here to see the Government of Canada vaccination recommendations by country.
  • In general, protection starts to develop after about two weeks of getting a vaccine; however, several factors impact an individuals' response to vaccines. 
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Is it safe to vaccinate a baby with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine before one year of age for international travel? What about children who need a second dose of MMR vaccine?
  • Yes, it is safe to give the MMR vaccine as early as six months for babies travelling outside of Canada where measles is of concern or travelling to locations experiencing outbreaks. Babies under six months of age do not receive the MMR vaccine as we don't have vaccine safety information for this age group. 
  • Two additional doses of the MMR vaccine must be given after 12 months of age to ensure long-lasting protection against measles.
  • Children over 12 months of age with one dose of MMR vaccine may be offered a second MMR dose (on an accelerated or earlier schedule) before international travel.
  • Contact a travel clinic at least six weeks before travel for vaccination and health recommendations for you and your family. Click here for a list of travel clinics in BC.
  • The MMR vaccine is available from your local health unit and some doctors' offices. Services vary across BC. Click here to find the contact information for a health unit.
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We are travelling outside of Canada and our child is due for their routine vaccinations. Can we get the vaccines early or get the vaccines in another country?
For best protection, children should receive all recommended vaccines on time when possible. Please discuss your travel plans with your immunizing health care provider and let them know when you will be away.
 
  • Your immunizer can tell you whether your child can receive any of BC’s routine vaccinations before travel. 
  • We do not have information about vaccination services in other countries. If you are outside of Canada for an extended period, please follow up in that country about childhood vaccinations.
  • If your child receives any vaccines internationally, keep the vaccination records and share them with your immunizing health care provider when you return to Canada.
There may be travel vaccines recommended for your destination. You should consult your healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic—at least six weeks before you travel. When travelling internationally, you and your family may be at risk for some diseases rarely found in Canada but are common in other parts of the world. Travel vaccines provide essential protection. Click here to read more about travel vaccines.
 
 
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Where to get Travel vaccines & Costs

Do prices change depending on where you receive your travel vaccines? How do I know if a clinic or healthcare providers are qualified to give travel vaccines?
Yes, prices vary by location, and some clinics charge a consultation fee or vaccine administration fee. Travel vaccines can be purchased and given at travel clinics, some pharmacies and some doctors' offices or clinics. Contact locations near you to ask about travel health consultations and vaccine costs.
 
In BC, the Health Professions Act regulates healthcare providers and what they can do (including the areas of vaccination and travel health vaccinations). You can click here for a list of BC health care sites designated as Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
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Where can I get travel vaccines? Do I have to pay for travel vaccines?
Where a person can get travel vaccines depends on the specific vaccines they need for their travel destination. 
  • Certain vaccines recommended for travel may only be available at travel clinics (for example, the yellow fever vaccine is only available at designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres), whereas others (for example, the hepatitis A vaccine) are available for purchase at most pharmacies. Travel vaccines are not publicly funded and do need to be purchased. 
  • Vaccines that are part of the routine BC vaccination schedule are free and available from health units, pharmacies, and some doctors’ offices.
  • It is recommended that a person contact a travel clinic or immunizing healthcare provider (preferably 6 weeks before they travel) to find out which vaccines they need.
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Rabies

Who should get a rabies vaccine? Is the vaccine free? Where can I get the rabies vaccine in BC?
The rabies vaccine can be given to prevent rabies before exposure to the rabies virus. Click here to read more about rabies and the vaccine.
 
In BC, the rabies vaccine is provided free to those exposed to an animal that may have rabies and students attending a Canadian Veterinary College or Animal Health Training Centre. The vaccine may be provided by your local health unit or your educational institution. 
 
In BC, the vaccine is recommended (but not for free) for others at risk of being exposed to the rabies virus through work, volunteering or travel. The rabies vaccine can be purchased and received at travel health clinics. Services vary throughout BC; the rabies vaccine may also be available at pharmacies or doctors' offices in your area.
 
Contact your local health unit with other questions about the rabies vaccination. Use the health unit finder. 
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I live in BC and I think an animal that may have rabies has bitten or scratched me. What should I do?
Rabies is a very serious and almost always fatal disease caused by a rabies virus. If an animal that may have rabies has bitten or scratched you, you need to seek medical care right away.
  • Contact your local health unit or call 8-1-1 (anytime day or night) to speak with a nurse.
  • A healthcare provider will decide if you need rabies prevention treatment. It is important to begin prevention treatment for rabies as soon as possible. 
  • You can get the rabies for post-exposure prophylaxis  (preventative treatment after potential exposure to the virus) at your local health unit. 
  • Click here to read more about about rabies and the vaccine.
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I was travelling and an animal that may have rabies bit or scratched me. I started my rabies vaccination outside of Canada. How do I finish my rabies vaccine series in BC? Do I have to pay?

Once you arrive back in BC, contact your local local health unit right away and tell them you started a rabies vaccines series outside of Canada. Provide any rabies vaccination records or documentation about the animal bite or scratch and treatment to the health unit.

In BC, the rabies vaccine is provided free to those who have been exposed to an animal that may have rabies. Click here to read more about about rabies vaccination.

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Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines

I would prefer the one Tdap vaccine brand over the other. In BC, can I choose which Tdap brand I get (Adacel or Boostrix)?

In BC, the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is available, but a specific brand is not guaranteed. There is not a specific brand of Tdap vaccine that is recommended one over the other. What is important is the protection against three vaccine-preventable diseases. 

 

Vaccines are available at local health units, travel clinics, most pharmacies and some doctors offices. Contact providers in your area to ask about which vaccine brand(s) are available. 

 

 

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Can you get a tetanus vaccine alone (without diphtheria)?

The tetanus vaccine is not available on its own (without diphtheria) in BC. The vaccine routinely given to adults as a booster dose is the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine. The tetanus vaccine is combined so a person can receive protection from several diseases with one injection (shot). Several different vaccines prevent tetanus among infants, children, adolescents and adults. 

 

Adults who were immunized against tetanus and diphtheria when they were younger should get a booster dose of the Td vaccine every ten years. This booster dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to better protect against these diseases. Read more about tetanus.

 

 

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I stepped on a rusty nail yesterday. Do I need a tetanus vaccine right away?

If you have a serious cut or wound, including punctures, bites, burns or scrapes, it is recommended that you see your healthcare provider immediately for treatment.

 

Talk to your doctor, vaccinating pharmacist or local health unit about getting a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine as soon as possible if you have a dirty cut or wound and five or more years have passed since your last Td vaccine. Use the health unit finder.

 

If you have further questions about tetanus or vaccinations, speak with your healthcare provider or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse at HealthlinkBC.

 

 

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My child had a Td vaccine last year after stepping on a nail. Do they need to get the Tdap vaccine in grade nine?

In BC, the Tetanus-Diphtheria-Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) is offered to grade nine students. Check your child's vaccination record to see which vaccine they received last year: Td or Tdap. The nurse providing the vaccine will also review the type of vaccine given and whether another dose is needed.

 

If they received Td only, Tdap is recommended for pertussis (whooping cough) protection. There is no minimum interval (timing) between a dose of Td and Tdap when Tdap is given for pertussis protection.

 

If you have further questions, speak with a public health nurse at your local health unit. 

 

 

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I received a tetanus shot a week ago, and my arm is very sore. Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal, as pain at the injection site (where the needle goes into your arm) is one of the most common side effects of receiving the tetanus vaccine. These symptoms usually go away in a few days. 

 

Other common reactions to the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine include:

  • Redness and swelling at the injection site.
  • Fever, headache and muscle soreness may also occur.

After a vaccine, pain and swelling can be managed with cold compresses at the injection site and acetaminophen, if needed. Avoid pressure on the injection site. Too frequent boosters of tetanus-containing vaccines may cause increased pain, swelling and redness at the injection site.

 

Report serious or unexpected reactions to a health care provider who gave the vaccine. For example:

  • Pain, redness, or swelling went past the nearest joint (shoulder or elbow).
  • Pain, redness or swelling that lasts for ten days or more.

 

 

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I had whooping cough. Do I now have natural immunity, or do I need to get the pertussis vaccine?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious (easily spread) bacterial illness. People who have had whooping cough do have immunity for some time, but it does not provide life-long protection. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended to protect against whooping cough.

 

Adults are recommended to have one dose of Tdap vaccine if they have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in adulthood. The Tdap vaccine is not free for most adults in BC. Vaccines are available to buy from most pharmacies, travel health clinics and some doctors’ offices. Read about what vaccines adults need here.

 

 

 

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How often should adults get a tetanus/diphtheria booster? What if you have an injury?

Adults who were immunized against tetanus and diphtheria (Td) when they were younger should get a booster dose of the Td vaccine every ten years. This booster dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to give better protection against these diseases. Adults who have not been immunized or do not have a record of prior immunization should also get the vaccine.

This vaccine may also be given to people with serious cuts or deep wounds if their last tetanus vaccine was given more than five years ago. If you have a serious cut or wound, including punctures, bites, burns, or scrapes, please see your health care provider immediately for treatment. This is especially important if the wound is dirty.

Find more information on vaccines recommended for adults. 

 

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Is the Td (Tetanus-diphtheria) vaccine publicly funded (free) in BC, and how often should I get it?
The Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine is free in BC. Adults vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria when they were younger should get a booster dose of the Td vaccine every ten years. This booster dose strengthens or boosts the immune system to better protect against these diseases. Adults who have not been vaccinated or do not have a record of prior vaccination should also get the vaccine.
 
Adults can get the vaccine from local health units and most pharmacies. Some doctors' offices also provide vaccines. Services vary across BC. 
 
 
 
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Who is tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) vaccine recommended for? Should I get a Tdap or Td vaccine? Do I have to pay?

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine is recommended and provided for free for the following people: 

  • Students in grade nine. This vaccine dose is a booster for children vaccinated against these diseases at a younger age. Also, people born in 1989 or later who missed their grade nine dose of Tdap are eligible to get one dose for free.
  • Pregnant people in every pregnancy, ideally given between 27-32 weeks of gestation to help protect the baby against pertussis (whooping cough) after birth. Read more in our pregnancy section.
  • Children seven years of age and older who have not been fully vaccinated.
  • Adults or immigrants who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination history is unknown.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that adults vaccinated in childhood receive one dose of Tdap (a pertussis-containing vaccine) in adulthood. In BC, the tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine is free and, the Tdap vaccine is available for purchase. Contact your local pharmacy or travel clinic to purchase and receive the Tdap vaccine. 

 

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I am pregnant and wondering if I should get the Tdap vaccine. Where can I get the Tdap vaccine in BC, and will I have to pay for it?
Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended that all pregnant people get the pertussis vaccine to help protect the baby after birth. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada also recommends that all pregnant people get the pertussis vaccine. 
 
From November 1, 2020, pregnant people in BC can receive publicly funded (free) diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine Tdap vaccine every pregnancy. The best time to get the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is between 27 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine may be given earlier and until delivery. 
 
In BC, prenatal care providers will provide the Tdap vaccine, including family doctors and midwives. The vaccine may be provided by specialty prenatal care service providers and community-based pharmacists or at the local health unit. Find more information in our pregnancy section.
 
 
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