COVID-19 Vaccination

Infection with COVID-19 prior to getting 1st or 2nd dose (or completing primary series)

Individuals 6 months of age and older who are not considered immunocompromised and with no previous history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C):

• Suggested interval: receive their first or second dose 8 weeks after the start of symptoms, or the date of their positive test if they didn’t have symptoms.

Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, and with no previous history of MIS-C:

• Suggested interval: receive the vaccine 4-8 weeks after the start of symptoms or the date of their positive test if they didn’t have symptoms.

Individuals 6 months of age and older with a previous history of MIS-C (regardless of immunocompromised status):

• Suggested interval: receive the vaccine when clinical recovery has been achieved or ≥90 days since the onset of MIS-C, whichever is longer.

You can discuss the timing of doses with your doctor or health care provider. With informed consent, individuals may also receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they do not have symptoms and have completed their isolation after being sick with COVD-19. However, longer intervals between infection and vaccination may result in a better immune response.

Infection with COVID-19 after 2nd dose (or completing primary series) but before first booster dose and/or second booster dose.

Individuals who are eligible for booster dose(s):

• Suggested interval: receive their booster dose(s) 3 months after their symptoms started or 3 months after receiving a positive test result if they didn’t have symptoms.

If they are 12 to 17 years old, at least 6 months (168 days) should have passed after completing their (1st & 2nd dose, or primary series) before receiving their booster dose.

You can discuss the timing of doses with your doctor or health care provider. With informed consent, individuals may also receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they do not have symptoms and have completed their isolation after being sick with COVD-19. However, longer intervals between infection and vaccination may result in a better immune response.

If you are interested in receiving a Novavax or J&J vaccine, please call the COVID-19 vaccine hotline at (905) 974-9848, option 7 for more information and to find out about clinic options. J & J fact sheet

You must bring proof of your first vaccine (i.e., paper receipt) and ID to the vaccine clinic. Clinic staff will review the documents.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends waiting  at least 8 weeks between your first and second dose, as evidence suggests that compared to shorter intervals, longer intervals between the first and second doses result in a stronger immune response, higher vaccine effectiveness that is expected to last longer, and may be associated with a lower risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis in adolescents and young adults. Eight weeks is recommended for best immune response and decreased risk of myocarditis and/or pericarditis, however with informed consent, bookings of 21-days between first and second doses for Pfizer, and 28-days between first and second doses for Moderna are permitted. You may wish to consult with your family doctor, pediatrician or pharmacist to understand benefits and risks.

Individuals age 5 and older who had COVID-19 before receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, should receive their second dose 8 weeks after the start of symptoms, or  the date of their positive test if they didn’t have symptoms. If an individual is moderately to severely immunocompromised, it is suggested they receive the vaccine 4-8 weeks after the start of symptoms or the date of their positive test if they didn’t have symptoms. You can discuss the timing of doses with your doctor or health care provider. With informed consent, individuals may also receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they do not have symptoms and have completed their isolation after being sick with COVD-19. However, longer intervals between infection and vaccination may result in a better immune response.

For most individuals age 18+, you can get a booster dose 84 days (3 months) after receiving your second dose, and for those age 12-17 you can get a booster dose 168 days (6 months) after your second dose (or 3 months/84 days, with informed consent).

Individuals who have two doses of the vaccine and get COVID-19 are recommended to receive their booster dose (third dose) 3 months after their symptoms started or 3 months after receiving a positive test result if they didn’t have symptoms. Emerging evidence indicates that a longer interval between a COVID-19 infection and vaccination is associated with better antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines. With informed consent, individuals may receive a booster dose once they do not have symptoms and have completed their isolation.

Fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available for those aged 18 and over, 5 months (140 days) after their previous booster dose. A longer interval provides a better immune response. However, with informed consent, these individuals can receive their vaccine 3 months (84 days) after their previous booster dose. See other eligible individuals

If you were vaccinated in another country or province or if you received federal vaccine supply (i.e., Federal stock used for Correctional Facilities, Military groups, Embassies, First Nations etc), please fill out this form. If you are unable to complete this form on your computer, print the form and fill it out completely. Please submit the form and the proof of vaccination document that was provided from the clinic where you received the vaccine. You can submit these documents by:

1. Fax 905-546-4841
    
2. Drop off
   City of Hamilton
   Vaccine Program
   2nd floor Robert Thomson Building, 110 King St W
   Hamilton, ON
   L8P 4V3
   Drop off Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    
3. Mail
   City of Hamilton
   Public Health Services, Vaccine Program
   P.O. Box 897, Hamilton, Ontario
   L8N 3P6

It will take up to 7 days for the record to be reviewed and entered into the COVID-19 vaccination records database (COVAXon).

Residents are required to submit or show their record of receipt for the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to receiving their second dose to ensure the correct interval between doses and to determine the need for a subsequent dose.

Please follow the steps below to obtain your proof of vaccination:

• Visit covid19.ontariohealth.ca
• Enter health card information
• Click on the yellow Vaccine Receipt button, and then you can download your receipt

If you do not have an Ontario Health Card, email [email protected] with the following information:

• Your phone number
• A sentence explaining that you are looking for proof of vaccination and that you do not have a green Ontario photo health card

For specific inquiries, call Hamilton Public Health Vaccine Records line at 905-540-5250.

If you would like more information about your vaccination, contact your health care provider or if you do not have a health care provider, call Hamilton Public Health Services Vaccine Infoline: 905-546-2424 ext. 7556.

COVID-19 Guidance for Individuals Vaccinated Outside of Ontario/Canada

• Proof of identity - government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, health card, passport, or Status Card can be used. Your ID needs to have your name, address, and photo and birthdate on it.
• Confirmation email or code.
• Wear a loose-fitting shirt with sleeves that roll up. 
• You will be given a consent form at the Vaccine Clinic.

Option 1: Show one of these pieces of ID that have your current Hamilton address

• your driver's licence
• any other card issued by a Canadian government (federal, provincial/territorial or local) with your photo, name and current address

Option 2: Show two pieces of ID

Both must have your name and at least one must have your current address. Examples below:

Individuals age 30 and over will be offered the Moderna vaccine when arriving at a vaccine clinic; however individuals can request to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Pfizer vaccine will continue to be offered to those under the age of 30.

Age 30+
Individuals who received 2 doses of AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD or 1 dose of J&J can choose to receive Pfizer or Moderna for a third or booster dose.

Adults 70 years of age and older, eligible immunocompromised individuals, residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes or older adults in other congregate living setting will receive a full dose of Moderna (100 mcg) for a third or booster dose.

Individuals less than 70 years of age will receive a half dose of Moderna (50 mcg) for a booster dose.

Individuals receiving Pfizer for a third or booster dose will receive a full dose (30 mcg).

18 to 29 year olds
The Ontario government recommends the use of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals aged 18 to 29 years old based on the current available analysis from Ontario’s adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance system due to an observed increase in Ontario of the very rare heart condition pericarditis/myocarditis following vaccination with Moderna compared to Pfizer in this age group, particularly among males.

The majority of reported cases of myocarditis/pericarditis have been mild with individuals recovering quickly, usually with anti-inflammatory medication. Symptoms have typically been reported to start within one week after vaccination, more commonly after the second dose.

Should individuals aged 18 to 29-year old wish to receive Moderna they can continue to do so with informed consent.

5 to 17 year olds
The Pfizer vaccine will be used for youth ages 5 to 17.

The vaccines are free. You will not be asked for any financial information.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in Canada notes that no drug interaction studies have been performed to date, so we do not know if there could be interference with medications or substances such as drugs or alcohol. 

Yes, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine regardless of past or current drug use. It is important that you are not under the influence of alcohol or any substances at your vaccine appointment. This is because substance use can impact your ability to give informed consent and lessen your ability to understand the risks and benefits of the vaccine.

Yes, continue to eat your meals and stay hydrated as usual. Make sure you have something to eat before coming to the clinic to prevent feeling faint while being vaccinated. This can be especially helpful for some individuals who have needle fears or a history of fainting with needles.

Yes

You will have to wait in the clinic for a minimum of 15 minutes after getting the vaccine. You may need to stay longer if necessary.

People who attend a vaccination clinic will have the option to provide information about their race, ethnicity, income, household size, and language to help Hamilton Public Health Services and the Ministry of Health plan COVID-19 vaccinations for communities that are at-risk and disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Find the consent form and questions: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/SD_Data_Consent_Form.pdf

Severe reactions are uncommon. If you need medical assistance, please seek medical attention. Call 911 if you need assistance immediately.

Signs of serious allergic reactions may include:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of face, throat or tongue
• hives (bumps on the skin that are itchy)

If these occur, a doctor should report them to Hamilton Public Health Services.

Other uncommon adverse reactions that should be reported to Hamilton Public Health Services include:

• rash
• swelling of arm that spreads to the next joint (elbow) or lasts 4 days or more
• pain that lasts 4 days or more
• fainting that causes injury
• swelling of the face or mouth
• very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• high fever (over 40°C)
• convulsions or seizures
• other serious symptoms (e.g., “pins and needles” or numbness lasting for over 24 hours).

Discuss any of the uncommon reactions with your family doctor. If you don’t have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic might be preferred. A doctor can diagnose these uncommon reactions.

Below are the ways you can submit the form for adverse reactions to public health:

• Fax the Vaccine program’s confidential fax line: 905-546-4841
• Upload to CityShare
  • All file formats are accepted, but PDF AEFI report forms is preferred.
  • Once the file is uploaded, the file will appear under “Uploaded Files”.

If you have any other inquiries and/or you are unable to submit the AEFI report through the two methods above, call 905-546-2424 ext. 7556.

Allow up to 15 business days for us to process your AEFI report. A public health nurse will contact you by phone to follow-up with you.

AEFI Reporting Form and AEFI fact sheet

Read more about adverse effects (PDF, 135 KB)

Refer to the provincial government recommendations for vaccines not authorized by Health Canada.

The government is continuing to review these guidelines.

If you are eligible for a third dose due to out of province vaccination, we recommend you register for an Ontario vaccine receipt before going to a clinic for a third dose (see instructions for how to register to get an Ontario vaccine receipt above).

If you book an appointment or walk-in to a public health clinic to receive a third dose before registering for an Ontario vaccine receipt, your vaccine documents will be checked at the vaccinate clinic. Pharmacies or other community led clinics may require registration for an Ontario vaccine receipt before they can provide a third dose.

To ask a health care provider (doctor or nurse) additional questions about COVID-19 vaccines:

• Ask your health care provider
• Book an appointment with SHN to speak with a doctor online or by phone 416-438-2911 ext. 5738
• Book an appointment with Sick Kids Hospital to speak with a pediatric nurse about COVID-19 vaccines for youth
• Call Hamilton’s Vaccine Hotline (905) 974-9848, option 7.
• Read answers to frequently asked questions