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COVID-19

Getting vaccinated

Vaccinating as many people as possible will reduce COVID-19 in our community and help us get back to the people and things we love. By getting vaccinated, you benefit from the protection you get against COVID-19 and the easing of public health measures in our community.

Even though evidence shows an increase in breakthrough* COVID-19 infections, those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 show a lower risk of infection compared to unvaccinated individuals, and when infections to vaccinated individuals do occur, symptoms tend to be milder.

In Simcoe Muskoka, during the current wave of COVID-19, the rate of positive cases is far higher in the unvaccinated than the vaccinated. From September 26th to November 20th, the rate of COVID-19 infection in the unvaccinated was seven times higher than it is was for the fully vaccinated and the rate of hospitalization was 12 times higher. Visit our HealthStats for more information.

It remains important for everyone, including fully vaccinated individuals, to follow public health measures as an additional layer of protection.

* A breakthrough infection is a COVID case that occurs in someone who is fully vaccinated, meaning 14 or more days after completing the recommended doses of an authorized vaccine.

Learn more about:

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine or how/where to get vaccinated, select a category below: 

If you are fully vaccinated check out these guidelines for what you can do now for informal/social activities.

Regardless of your vaccination status everyone must continue to follow public health measures:

  • Stay home when sick and get tested. 
  • Wear a face covering in an indoor area of a business or organization that is open; at an indoor organized public event and within 2 metres (6 feet) of another individual; at some outdoor public events or settings (see Ontario.ca for more information on these settings). 
  • Physical distance from those outside your household in indoor area of business or facility that is open to the public or at an indoor organized public event.

Many people have a fear of needles causing anxiety leading up to or when attending a vaccination appointment. We have gathered a few resources that you may find helpful in easing the fear of needles for children and adults.

If travelling outside of Canada, it is important to review the COVID-19 requirements for your destination country. At this time a third dose will not be administered for those who received mixed vaccines and are wishing to travel outside of Canada.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:

  • A full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada , or any combination of such vaccines; or
  • One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
  • Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada;

and they received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.

Countries such as the USA, UK and Germany, now recognize individuals with a mixed series of vaccines as being fully vaccinated. The Government of Canada is working with international partners to ensure the recognition mixed vaccination series. 

Refer to the federal government’s page - COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

2A Quick Reference Tool for Clients - General – To help build confidence and reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination for your clients or patients

2A Quick Reference Tool for Clients - Youth – To help build confidence and reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination for your clients or patients who are 12-17 years of age

Page Last Updated: November 30, 2021

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