Vaccines for COVID-19: How to get vaccinated

On this page

Current recommendations

Updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by Health Canada and are available for use.

COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, death and post COVID-19 condition (long COVID).

Starting in fall 2023, it's recommended that you get an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if it's been at least 6 months:

If you haven't received any COVID-19 vaccines before, the updated COVID-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations.

Approved vaccines are available at no cost for those 6 months of age and older.

Canada continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination, particularly for those most at risk for infection with the COVID-19 virus or severe complications from COVID-19.

Contact your local public health unit for more information on vaccine recommendations and to book an appointment.

Book a vaccination appointment

Book an appointment through your province or territory:

Benefits of vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Getting vaccinated may also reduce your risk of becoming infected and possibly developing post-COVID-19 condition. If you do become infected, being vaccinated also reduces the likelihood of developing symptoms of post COVID-19 condition compared to people who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Post COVID-19 condition, also known as long COVID, is when people still experience symptoms of COVID-19 for weeks or months after their initial infection.

Learn more about:

Timing of vaccination

Starting in fall 2023, it's recommended that you get an updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if it's been at least 6 months:

If you haven't received any COVID-19 vaccines before, the updated COVID-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations.

Provinces and territories design and deliver their own vaccination programs. As a result, vaccination recommendations, including timing of vaccination, may differ by region. Most areas now have the COVID-19 and flu vaccines available.

Vaccinations may be available from a number of locations, including:

For specific recommendations in your region and locations to be vaccinated, contact your local public health unit for more information and to book an appointment.

Book a vaccination appointment

Learn more about:

Vaccination after having COVID-19

It's safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine following infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccination is very important, even if you've had COVID-19. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection:

Evidence indicates that waiting a period of time after infection with the COVID-19 virus before getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help improve the immune response.

When to consult with a health care provider

If you have questions about getting your vaccine, consult with a health care provider, including if you:

Learn more:

Related links

Did you find what you were looking for?

What was wrong?

You will not receive a reply. Telephone numbers and email addresses will be removed.
Maximum 300 characters

Thank you for your feedback

Page details

Date modified: