Your appointment
What you need to know before, during and after your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Find out what you can expect when you get vaccinated.
Before your appointment
An Ontario health card or an immunization record are not required to get the vaccine.
On the day of your appointment, make sure you:
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that are easy to roll up.
- Wear a mask.
- Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
- Self-screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering (instructions are provided at the clinic entrance).
- Bring proof of age with you (e.g., health card, driver’s license, passport, birth certificate)
- Bring someone with you to the appointment, if needed. They will need to wear a mask at all times in the clinic.
Wheelchairs are available at each clinic. You can ask security for assistance.
Interpreter services are also available on site if you do not speak English.
If you need help getting to your appointment, the Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines program provides door-to-door rides to vaccination sites for people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, who face challenges accessing safe transportation. Find out if you’re eligible and how to book your ride.
You can also refer to more information to help children prepare for their appointment.
Cancelling your appointment
If you're not feeling well on your appointment day, stay home, cancel your appointment, and book for another time. Refer to the cancellation instructions provided to you when you booked your appointment.
During your appointment
After receiving your vaccine, a vaccination record will be provided to you via email. If you require a printed copy, speak to the clinic staff.
You'll need to wait in the clinic after you receive the vaccine to ensure you are feeling well. Though it is uncommon, fainting or an allergic reaction can happen after vaccination. Our clinic staff are prepared to manage these events if they happen.
While you’re waiting:
- Tell a clinic employee if you start feeling unwell.
- Keep your mask on and stay at least 2 metres away from others.
When leaving the clinic:
- Use the alcohol-based hand rub to sanitize your hands before leaving
- Do not operate a vehicle or other form of transportation if you are feeling unwell after receiving your vaccine.
After your appointment
Refer to more information on side effects, including common, expected side effects that may occur, and serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
After you receive your vaccine, it is important that you continue to practice public health measures to protect yourself from COVID-19.
You can check your email for information on how to access your proof of vaccination. If you received your COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario, you can save or print a copy of your receipt by logging into Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine system.
Children 5 to 11 years should not receive other vaccines (such as a flu shot or other childhood vaccines) sooner than 14 days before or after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This helps to better understand any side effects that may occur.
