Click here to visit our COVID-19 vaccine page for healthcare providers.
How to get vaccinated
Click to learn about Transportation options for our vaccination clinics or connect with the Accessible Drive to Vaccines program in partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association.
Mass Vaccination Clinics - Family Friendly - Walk-ins Only
On July 13, 2022, Ontario expanded second booster eligibility to include those aged 18-59. This was further expanded on July 21 to include certain immunocompromised Ontarians aged 12-17 who have received a three-dose primary series; they will be eligible as of June 28 for a second booster (fifth dose) at a recommended interval of six months after their fourth was given.
On July 21, 2022, Ontario announced that vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 5 years will begin July 28. Southwestern Public Health's clinic locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas will vaccinate this age group - as will all of our mobile clinics. Please note, at this time, GOVAXX Bus Clinics will NOT vaccinate children under the age of 5.
| Southwestern Public Health 1230 Talbot St St. Thomas |
Open Mondays and Fridays 9:00AM to 4:00PM, closed Noon to 1:00PM daily |
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South Gate Centre |
Open Mondays 9:00AM to 4:00PM, closed Noon to 1:00PM |
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Oxford Auditorium
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NEW Location starting July 29th 9:00AM to 4:00PM, closed Noon to 1:00PM daily OPEN July 29, August 3 and 5 |
Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics - Family Friendly - Walk-ins Only
| St. Thomas & Elgin County |
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| Woodstock & Oxford County |
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GoVaxx Bus and Indoor Vaccination Clinics
Click here or call 1-833-943-3900 to book an appointment. Walk-ins welcome at any clinic. The Govaxx team is able to vaccinate anyone 5+ with Pfizer. Due to the GoVaxx bus only carrying Pfizer, the team will be unable to vaccinate children 6 months - 5 years looking to receive the Moderna Spikevav at this time. Please refer to our Mass Vaccination and Pop-Up clinic locations above for a clinic near you.
| St. Thomas & Elgin County |
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| Woodstock & Oxford County |
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| Other ways to be vaccinated |
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Public Health Clinics in Middlesex-London
Pharmacy Pharmasave Huron Street, 95 Huron Street, Woodstock (519) 539-2888 Yurek Pharmacy Ltd., 519 Talbot Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-3330 Shoppers Drug Mart, 959 Dundas Street, Woodstock (519) 537-2042 Shoppers Drug Mart, 200 Broadway, Tillsonburg (519) 842-3521 Shoppers Drug Mart, 410 Talbot Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-2300 Shoppers Drug Mart, 19 Stover Street N, Norwich (519) 863-2401
Primary Care |
How many doses am I eligible for?
It is now known that the protection from the COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time. When you get a booster dose, your protection rises quickly again - ensuring you are protected from serious illness and hospitalization. While early in the vaccination efforts we considered that "fully vaccinated" meant two doses. Evidence now shows that "fully vaccinated" means being up-to-date with all the vaccines you are eligible for. Read Ontario's May 2 Guidance on Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Please click here to find out if you are eligible for another dose.
COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada
Learn about the approved COVID-19 vaccines from Health Canada, including how they work, how they are given, ingredients, allergies, possible side effects and more:
Eligibility-related questions
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I am aged 12 or older and had a first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna). When can I get my second? |
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You can get your second dose if it has been a minimum of 8 weeks since your first. You may safely receive either mRNA brand as a second or third dose. They are both mRNA vaccines and they are interchangeable (meaning it doesn't matter what brand name you receive). Age-Specific Guidance
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I had a first dose of Astra Zeneca. When can I get my second? |
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Contact SWPH at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9 (8:30-4:30, Monday to Friday) if you would like an appointment. |
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Who can get a booster dose (third or more)? |
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Please click here to find out if you are eligible for a booster dose. First Booster: Individuals who have yet to receive a first booster are recommended to get it as soon as eligible to stay up-to-date. Second Booster: On July 13, 2022, Ontario expanded second booster dose eligibility of the COVID-19 vaccine to include individuals aged 18-59. The Ministry of Health has yet to publish final guidance for this eligibility update. High-risk individuals who should get their second booster dose as soon as possible (many of whom have been eligible to do so for months) include:
Timing:
Those aged 18-59 who are otherwise healthy are encouraged to make an informed decision about second booster timing based on their personal circumstances, or to speak with their primary care provider about whether now is the right time for a second booster. Second Booster in a Three-Dose Primary Series (Fifth Dose): Beginning July 28, immunocompromised Ontarians aged 12-17 who have received a three-dose primary series - are eligible for a second booster (fifth dose) at a recommended interval of six months after their fourth was given. Those who are aged 18 and older and have one of these immunocompromising conditions were already eligible for a second booster (fifth dose). |
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I had my first or second dose outside of Ontario or Canada. What should be my booster dose? |
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COVID-19 vaccines approved for use by Health Canada The World Health Organization added some vaccines authorized in other countries to their Emergency Use List. Ontario's Ministry of Health aims to balance optimal protection against COVID-19 by offering a dose of a Health Canada approved mRNA vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna) to specific individuals who have been vaccinated outside of Canada. Read the Ministry Guidance for full details, including scenarios for what to do if you have been vaccinated outside of Ontario or Canada. |
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When can I get the Novavax or Medicago vaccine? |
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Health Canada has approved both the Novavax Nuvaxovid and Medicago Covifenz COVID-19 vaccines. Neither vaccine is available in Ontario yet. Novavax:
Southwestern Public Health expects to receive a limited supply of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in April 2022 or shortly after. If you are interested in this vaccine and live in the Southwestern Public Health region, call 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9 to be added to the waitlist or to learn more information. Those who speak Low German can press 1 for the St. Thomas site, then 2 to leave a message. Medicago: The timeline for Medicago supply and guidance is not yet known. |
Youth vaccination
You must be the minimum eligible age by the date of your vaccination.
For children under 12, Southwestern Public Health will require a parent or legal guardian to provide consent at the appointment. For some families, the decision to vaccinate is an easy one – for others, it takes a bit longer to decide. Both are okay. Our team is here to answer your questions and support you in your decision making.
| Why vaccinate youth & children against COVID-19? |
| Although children and youth have been less likely to get seriously ill from a COVID-19 infection, they can still get sick from a COVID-19 infection, spread it to others, be infected without symptoms, and experience longer-term effects of an infection. Children and youth with some underlying medical conditions may also have a higher risk for severe illness from a COVID-19 infection.
As well, children in Ontario have been impacted by COVID-19 measures to control spread, including attending school remotely, missing out on sports and social activities, and other impacts to their mental well-being. Vaccinating all eligible individuals helps reduce community spread of COVID-19, allowing us all to recover from the pandemic, sooner. Additional support: Video: Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, provides advice for families about the importance of vaccinating children, once eligible. (Source: CBC.ca, 2021) |
| COVID-19 vaccine research and safety for youth & children |
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All vaccines in Canada are heavily regulated by Health Canada. It is illegal to sell or market a vaccine in Canada that has not completed all required stages of research and safety trials. Visit Health Canada's website to learn more about how the vaccines are studied and tested for youth and children in Canada. For children under 12, Southwestern Public Health will require a parent or legal guardian to provide consent at the appointment. Children aged five to 11 will receive the pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine which is a slightly modified, lower dose (one-third the amount given to individuals aged 12 and over), in a two-dose series at a recommended interval of eight weeks between first and second doses. Children aged 6 months to 5 years will soon be able to access COVID-19 vaccine. On July 21, the Ontario government announced this age group can start booking appointments beginning July 28. Southwestern Public Health will share details for local clinics once supply arrives at the health unit. Additional resources:
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Should a child turning 12 wait to get an adult dose? |
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Because of the circulating illness in our community and risk of transmission it's best is to get vaccinated now; get some immunity building and protection developing.
If a child gets their first dose as a pediatric dose, and turns 12 before their second dose, their second dose will be the adult dose. Size doesn’t really matter with vaccines (consider a 7-foot tall NBA basketball player gets the same vaccine dose as the 5-foot tall gymnast!) – but the current guidance suggests this is the best approach for children. |
| How to talk to youth & children about COVID-19 vaccination |
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Children often look to trusted adults for cues that may help build confidence or reaffirm fears. Provide clear, calm language to children to reduce fears and anxiety. For example, if your child is afraid of the pain of a needle, avoid telling your child the needle won’t hurt. Instead, acknowledge that needles do hurt, even for adults, and that nurses have strategies to help make it hurt less. Here are helpful resources to help children and youth feel confident about their decision to be vaccinated.
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| Where to direct questions about COVID-19 vaccines for youth & children |
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Your child’s primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) is the best resource for answering questions about your child’s health. If you have general questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children, you can also call: SickKids Toronto Vaccine Consult Service VaxFacts from Scarborough Health Network |
Preparing for your vaccination
Watch the below video with your child to prepare them for their visit to our vaccination clinics. Read on for more information about what to expect before, during and after your vaccination. As of April 1 2022, all Southwestern Public Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics are walk-in only.
| Before your vaccination |
Familiarize yourself with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form (click for child age 5-17 version) and follow our checklist:
Here is some additional information to prepare for your appointment:
Feeling nervous?If you are nervous about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or are afraid of needles, the CARD (Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract) system may be able to help. Our team of professionals at the Immunization Clinics will do everything they can to help you have a comfortable experience. |
| During your vaccination visit |
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Here is what you can expect on the day of your vaccination, along with a few important things to remember:
Personal supportPlease bring a support person with you when you come for your vaccination if you require assistance related to any mobility, visual, hearing or cognitive concern. Your support person will be able to attend the visit with you, and they will need to pass a COVID-19 screening questionnaire when you arrive at the vaccination clinic. |
| After your vaccination |
| Review the Guide to Post-Vaccination or our Aftercare Fact Sheet for information about what to expect and what to after your vaccination. Here is a simplified version with graphics. Also refer to the Ministry of Health's After Your COVID-19 Vaccine information sheet Be aware of common side effectsLike other vaccines or medications, the COVID-19 vaccine can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these and most are minor or not long-lasting. Examples include:
Serious side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are rare. If you experience a serious side effect after being vaccinated, seek medical attention right away. Continue following public health guidelinesRemember to continue following public health measures until more of our community is vaccinated against COVID-19:
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COVID-19 vaccination receipts
You may also download a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination receipt online. You will need to enter your health card number and your postal code.
English: Ontario.ca/VaccineReceipts
French: Ontario.ca/RecusDeVaccin
| Trouble downloading your receipt? |
| If there is an error on your vaccination receipt, or you are having trouble downloading your receipt because of a suspected error, please complete this online form and we'll correct the error in your receipt for you.
If you have a red and white health card or no health card, call 1-833-943-3900. Don't have a printer? Ask a friend, go to the library, pay a small fee at a retailer such as Staples, or in St. Thomas, seniors may ask at the St. Thomas Seniors Centre. |
Common questions (FAQs)
| Which vaccine brand will I get? |
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Age-Specific Guidance
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| How do mRNA vaccines like Pfizer or Moderna work? |
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mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA to teach the body’s cells how to make a protein which will cause your body to have an immune response and make antibodies. These antibodies then help fight an infection if the virus later enters the body. These vaccines do not use a live virus so they cannot give you COVID-19. Learn more about COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Health Canada. |
| How do viral vector-based vaccines like Astra Zeneca or Janssen work? |
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Learn about COVID-19 viral vector-based vaccines from Health Canada. |
| Are COVID-19 vaccines safe? |
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Yes. Only vaccines that Health Canada determine to be safe and effective are approved for use in Canada and made available in Ontario. Learn more about vaccine safety:
Watch these videos to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine safety in Canada:
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| How were the COVID-19 vaccines approved so quickly? |
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COVID-19 vaccines go through the same review process that all vaccines go through to be authorized for use by Health Canada. Given the scale and urgency of the global pandemic, the Federal Government of Canada dedicated scientific, financial and human resources to complete the review process for COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Learn more about Vaccine Development and Approval in Canada from Health Canada. |
| Are "mixed' vaccines safe and effective? |
Receiving an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) after receiving AstraZeneca for your first doseIn the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) statement of October 22, 2021, NACI recommends that an mRNA vaccine is preferred as the second dose for people who received a first dose of the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine. This is based upon studies that suggest a better immune response when the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is provided as the second shot. Since the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered interchangeable, the second dose can also be of Moderna. Evidence continues to support this mixed vaccine schedule is safe. Receiving a different mRNA vaccine for your second or booster doseThe practice of mixing similar vaccines from different manufacturers for different doses (known as a heterologous vaccine schedule) is not new. It is used when vaccine supply or programs change, and is consistent with the guidance of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Similar vaccines from different manufacturers are interchangeable when they:
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines meet all these criteria and are essentially the same vaccine, just produced by a different manufacturer. Therefore, there is no reason to believe that mixing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will make them unsafe or less effective. Due to this, NACI has declared the two mRNA vaccines to be interchangeable. Results from ongoing studies, including Canadian data, is also closely monitored by NACI to ensure ongoing safety and to make any updated recommendations. Learn more |
| Should I still get a vaccine if I have had COVID-19? |
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Yes. People who have had COVID-19 infection should receive the recommended number of doses they are eligible for. However, they are recommended to wait 4 to 8 weeks after having COVID-19 to get the next dose in their primary series. People who get COVID-19 after completing their primary series are recommended to wait 3 months after having COVID-19 to get their booster dose(s). Optimal timing can be discussed with your health care provider and depends on age, number of doses received, risk of exposure, and health status. |
| Is vaccination safe for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding? |
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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre has created a great list of resources for women considering COVID-19 vaccine who are trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding: https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=pregnancy-breastfeeding-fertility-covid-19-vaccine Other organizations have also released information that might interest you: |
| How do I register my out of province or out of country COVID-19 vaccine? |
| Many people across the region received one or both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States or another country. If this applies to you, please register your vaccine here in Ontario. You can start by completing this form.
*Please note, this form is ONLY for residents of Elgin County, Oxford County and the City of St. Thomas.* |
| Are there transportation services available to help me get to the vaccine clinics? |
| Review our listing of transportation information that may help you get to our mass immunization clinics.
In Oxford County, Oxford County Community Support Services has received funding to provide free transportation to COVID-19 vaccination clinics. If you have a physical, mental, developmental or learning disability, or experience mobility, vision or hearing impairment issues and are facing barriers in getting to and from your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, you can contact 1-888-866-7518 or oxford.intake@von.ca to book your free trip. This program is generously funded by the Province of Ontario. |
| I still have questions! Where can I find more information? |
Vaccine Resources for Adults:
Vaccine Resources for Youth:
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