For information on COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Government of Canada’s website.
Why is there a new COVID-19 vaccine?
An updated formulation of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is needed to provide the most effective immune response against currently circulating variants compared to vaccines previously used.
How do the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccines work?
This vaccine tells your body’s cells to make “spike proteins” that are like those on the virus that causes COVID-19. These spike proteins do not cause COVID-19 and are removed from your body soon after they are formed. Your immune system will respond to the spike proteins by making antibodies that help to fight infection, if the COVID-19 virus gets into your body. The vaccine does not contain the virus and so it cannot give you COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNtech Comirnaty and Moderna Spikevax vaccines have been tested to ensure they meet safety standards and have been licensed and approved by Health Canada.
Are other vaccine options available for protection against COVID-19?
At this time, mRNA vaccines are the only options available throughout Canada for protection against COVID-19. For more information on Health Canada approved vaccines, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.
How many doses of the vaccine are required?
All individuals aged 6 months and older, regardless of prior vaccination status, are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in Fall 2025.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for those at higher risk of infection or severe illness, including:
- Adults aged 65+
- Residents of long-term care or senior congregate settings
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions, including children with complex needs
- Pregnant individuals
- People from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities
- Members of racialized or equity-denied groups
- Health care workers and caregivers
A second dose is recommended for some high-risk populations, including:
- Adults aged 80+
- Residents of long-term care
- Individuals aged 6 months+ who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
Adults aged 65–79 may also receive a second dose.
Speak to your health care provider for more information on eligibility.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
For more information please visit: COVID-19: Vaccine safety and side effects – Canada.ca.
Common vaccine side effects may include:
| Symptoms at the injection side, such as: | More general symptoms, such as: |
| – Redness
– Soreness – Swelling |
– Chills
– Fatigue – Joint pain – Headache – Mild fever – Muscle aches |
Symptoms typically resolve in 24-48 hours. If you develop symptoms after receiving your vaccine that persist, speak to your primary care provider.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
You should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine if you have:
- a history of anaphylaxis after previous administration of any COVID-19 vaccine
- an immediate or anaphylactic hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine. To view components in each COVID-19 vaccine, refer to the product monographs for each product.
If you have a fever or you are feeling, unwell you should talk to a healthcare professional or defer your vaccine until you are feeling better, and your fever has resolved. If you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, it is recommended to wait six months before receiving another COVID-19 vaccine.
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I had COVID-19?
It is possible that people will get COVID-19 before getting their COVID-19 vaccine. At the very least, people need to wait until they have fully recovered before getting their next dose. Please speak to your health care provider to get the best advice on when to get your next vaccine dose after a COVID-19 infection.
I am moderately to severely immunocompromised, how many doses of vaccine should I receive?
Immunocompromised individuals 6 months to under 5 years of age who have never received COVID-19 vaccine should initially receive 3 doses. Immunocompromised individuals 6 years of age and older who have never received COVID-19 vaccine should initially receive 2 doses If previously vaccinated, individuals are eligible to receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine each year. Vaccines should be administered at least 3 months apart.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
COVID-19 vaccines will only be used in Newfoundland and Labrador if they are approved by Health Canada, and the evidence shows that they are safe, effective, of good quality, and demonstrates that the benefits of using it outweighs the risks. For more information on Health Canada’s review process for COVID-19 vaccines, please see the Government of Canada’s website.
I am not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador, am I eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine while I am in this province?
The vaccine will be made available, free of cost, for anyone in Newfoundland and Labrador that meets vaccine eligibility requirements, regardless of their immigration and/or residency status. This includes refugee claimants, migrant workers, international students, dependent children of temporary residents, temporary foreign workers, undocumented residents, and residents with lapsed legal status.
I received a COVID-19 vaccination at a Public Health Clinic. Can I go to my local pharmacy or physician’s office for my next dose?
Yes, they can be provided through public health, pharmacies, or physician offices. Availability of Moderna Spikevax or Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty may differ depending on the pharmacy or clinic. Please contact your healthcare provider for more information.
Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
NACI continues to strongly recommend that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should receive COVID-19 vaccine as they are at increased risk of COVID-19 related complications.
What product will a child receive?
The Moderna Spikevax vaccine is authorized for individuals aged 6 months and older. Eligible individuals will receive this vaccine.