COVID-19
Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine*
*Once registered and eligible, you will receive a notification to book your vaccination appointment. Based on vaccine availability at select pharmacy locations.
What you need to know about COVID-19
Get answers to your questions about COVID-19 and approved vaccines
Symptom Information
Information on COVID-19 symptoms.
FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person.
They may also vary in different age groups.
Some of the more commonly reported symptoms include:
New or worsening cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Temperature equal to or over 38°C
Feeling feverish
Chills
Fatigue or weakness
Muscle or body aches
New loss of smell or taste
Headache
Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
Feeling very unwell
Children tend to have abdominal symptoms and skin changes or rashes
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19.
You can infect others even if you aren’t showing symptoms.
The virus can be spread to others from someone who’s infected but not showing symptoms.
This includes people who:
- haven’t yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic)
- never develop symptoms (asymptomatic)1
COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ
As of March 9 2021, the two types of vaccines that have been approved are: mRNA vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech) and viral vector-based vaccines (Oxford-AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson). Regardless of the vaccine type, they are all designed to provide protection against a serious COVID-19 infection.
| Vaccine Type | How The Vaccine Works |
| mRNA vaccine | Uses genetic instructions called mRNA to create a harmless coronavirus protein that triggers the body’s immune response to create antibodies to protect against future COVID-19 infection. mRNA cannot cause COVID-19 infection because it is not a live vaccine2. |
| Viral vector-based vaccine | Uses a genetically modified virus that cannot cause COVID-19 infection but delivers instructions (DNA) to produce a coronavirus protein to train the immune system to fight future COVID-19 infection2. |
Ontario has a three phase roll-out plan and more information can be found here.
Each public health unit in Ontario is responsible for implementing a local vaccine plan that meets the needs of their community. Visit here to find more information on your local health unit and their COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered at no cost to every Canadian who wants one3.
Book your COVID-19 Vaccine
Register NowRelated Articles
What is the difference between COVID-19, seasonal flu and the common cold?
Learn more- Government of Canada. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Symptoms and treatment. Retrieved 19 March 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/symptoms.html
- Ontario Ministry of Health. About COVID-19 Vaccines. Retrieved 9 March 2021, from https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/-programs-/public-health/coronavirus-/docs-/vaccine/-COVID-19_about_vaccines.pdf
- Government of Canada. What you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine for Canada. Retrieved 8 March 2021, from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/awareness-resources/know-vaccine.html
References:
The information in this resource is for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace informed medical advice. Metro Ontario Pharmacies Limited assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information.
*The MedMe Health Limited (“MedMe”) link is a third party link provided as a convenience to you by Metro Ontario Inc. and its affiliates (“Metro”). Metro bears no responsibility for the content, accuracy, legality or any links on the MedMe web site. Contact MedMe for answers to any questions you might have with respect to the content or operation of this web site.
