Find out about getting vaccinated for COVID-19

The information below gives you an overview of who can and who should not receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

Why do you say some people should not have the vaccine?

The vaccine has not been studied well enough in people such as those who:

• are pregnant or planning to be;
• are breastfeeding;
• have medical conditions;
• have problems with their immune system from disease or treatment; or
• have autoimmune conditions.

These people may be offered the vaccine if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you’re at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection or of developing severe disease, you should discuss these risks with your health care provider to decide whether or not you should get vaccinated.

Who can and cannot get the vaccine

If you’re 17 or younger

Do not get the vaccine if you’re 17 years old or younger. You can get the vaccine if you’re 18 and older.

If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19

Do not get vaccinated if you have any symptoms that could be due to COVID-19. This is so that you do not spread the infection to others. For advice about if and when you’re able to get vaccinated:

• talk with your health care provider; or
• call 811.

You have or have had COVID-19

You should not be vaccinated while infectious or if you still feel unwell from a recent COVID-19 infection, so that you do not spread infection to others.

You can be vaccinated if you are no longer infectious and are feeling better from a COVID-19 infection.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection, or of developing severe disease, talk to your health care provider to make a decision about vaccination.

If you’re planning to be pregnant

If you’re planning to become pregnant, delay conception until at least 28 days have passed after your 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

If you had a severe reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine dose

You should not get the vaccine if you had a severe reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including an allergic reaction. Do not get vaccinated until it’s determined to be safe by an allergist or other health care provider.

If you have an autoimmune condition or problems with your immune system

Please talk to your health care provider before being immunized. You may or may not be eligible to receive this vaccine.

If you’ve received another vaccine in the past 14 days

If you’ve had another vaccine that is not a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 14 days, wait for 14 days from that last vaccine to receive your COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have an allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or an unknown allergy

You should not get the vaccine. Talk with your health care provider if you’re known to be allergic to polyethylene glycol or have had an allergic reaction from an unknown cause.

About polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can rarely cause allergic reactions and is found in products such as medications, bowel preparation products for colonoscopy, laxatives, cough syrups, cosmetics, skin creams, medical products used on the skin and during operations, toothpaste, contact lenses and contact lens solution. PEG also can be found in foods or drinks but is not known to cause allergic reactions from foods or drinks.

When you go to get a vaccine, tell the health care provider the following:

• If you’ve fainted or felt faint after receiving past vaccines or medical procedures.
  • Your health care provider may recommend that you receive the vaccine lying down to prevent fainting.
• If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medication that could affect blood clotting.
  • This information will help the health care provider prevent bleeding or bruising from the needle.

The vaccine is given as a needle in the upper arm. You'll need 2 doses, given 1 month apart.

Side effects

In a large study, half of the people who received the Moderna vaccine were monitored for at least 2 months. No serious side effects have been found to date. People in studies who received the vaccine continue to be monitored for longer-term side effects.

People can develop side effects within 1 or 2 days after they receive the vaccine. Although these side effects are not serious to your health, they may make you feel unwell for about 1 to 3 days. Often, they will go away on their own. These side effects indicate the vaccine is working to produce protection.

In the study, side effects included 1 or more of the following:

• pain, redness or swelling where the needle was given;
• tiredness;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• joint pain;
• nausea or vomiting;
• chills;
• fever; or
• enlarged lymph nodes (swollen glands) in the underarm.

Allergic reactions

• Allergic reactions can sometimes occur after people get a vaccine.
• Allergic reactions can include:
  • hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy);
  • swelling of your face, tongue or throat; or
  • difficulty breathing.

Clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction if it happens. Get immediate medical care if you develop any of these symptoms.

How will I be kept safe from infection at the clinic?

Health care providers are careful to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when they provide immunizations. Examples of extra safety measures include the following:

• You’ll be asked about any COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive at the clinic. People with symptoms of COVID-19 should not come to the clinic.
• You’ll be asked to wear a mask while at the clinic, as well as to clean your hands.
• You’ll be asked to stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others, except people you live with.
• Staff will:
  • wear personal protective equipment; and
  • will clean their hands before and after each client.
• Clinics might put other measures in place as well. Be sure to read and follow any signs or instructions provided.

What do I need to do to get ready for the clinic?

• Wear a short-sleeve shirt or top with sleeves that are easy to roll up.
• To prevent feeling faint while you’re being vaccinated, have something to eat beforehand.
• Bring your mask.
• Bring any identification required by the clinic, such as your health card.
• Bring your immunization record with you or download the CANImmunize app to keep track of this and other vaccines.
• You’ll be provided with a paper COVID-19 Immunization Record.

What should I do after I get the vaccine?

You’ll be asked to wait at least 15 minutes after you receive the vaccine to be sure you’re feeling well. We may recommend that you wait for 30 minutes if there’s concern about a vaccine allergy.

You may be asked by the health care provider to wait in the clinic. If an adult is with you and you have a warm, dry place to wait, such as in your vehicle, you may be asked to wait outside the clinic instead.

If you feel unwell

Tell a health care provider right away if you feel unwell while you’re waiting after you’ve had your vaccine.

Do not leave the clinic or clinic parking lot for at least 15 to 30 minutes after you receive your vaccine. This time will be based on the recommendation of the health care provider.

If you have a reaction later

After you leave the clinic, call 911 right away if you develop any serious symptoms or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as:

• hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy);
• swelling of your face, tongue or throat; or
• difficulty breathing.

Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects after you get the vaccine.

Follow the Safe 6 plus 1 to prevent spread of COVID-19. The "plus 1" means wear a mask in all indoor public spaces.

When can I get other types of vaccinations?

Do not get any other vaccines, except for your 2nd COVID-19 vaccine, until:

• you’ve received both doses; and
• at least 1 month has passed after the second dose.

This is unless your health care provider says another vaccine is necessary.

When should I return for my 2nd dose?

Go back to the clinic for your 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine in 1 month. Returning for your 2nd dose ensures the vaccine is most effective.

You may be asked to book an appointment to receive the 2nd dose.

Will I get proof I’ve been vaccinated?

When you come for your 1st dose, the clinic staff will give you your COVID-19 immunization record. Remember to bring it with you when you come for your 2nd dose. It’s your personal COVID-19 vaccine immunization record.

Keep your COVID-19 immunization record in a safe place.

How does the Moderna vaccine protect us against COVID-19?

The Moderna vaccine causes our body to produce protection, such as antibodies. This helps to keep us from becoming sick if we’re exposed to the COVID-19 virus. The vaccine uses a new method called messenger RNA (mRNA) to help our body protect itself from the virus.

Why are there 2 doses?

When people received 2 doses of the vaccine, it prevented them from becoming sick with COVID-19. The immunized group of people was 94.1% less likely to become sick.

Has the Moderna vaccine been approved?

Yes. The Moderna vaccine was approved for use by Health Canada on December 23, 2020. This authorization allows rapid vaccine deployment. It means we can quickly respond to public health concerns while following all requirements to ensure the safety of Canadians.