Coronavirus SociaL Media - red zone WEB
print header

COVID-19

Preparing for your appointment

If you have booked an appointment and received confirmation (email) of your appointment please read the following information to prepare. If you belong to any special patient groups make sure you have discussed your circumstances/ condition with a health care provider.

If you or someone you know needs assisted transportation to and from your vaccination appointment, please visit one of the websites below:

You MUST screen yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 before you go to your appointment.

Read and answer the following COVID-19 screening questions carefully:

Please answer YES or NO to the following 3 questions.

1. You have at least one of the following symptoms that is new, worsening and not related to other known causes or conditions OR had at least one of these symptoms in the past 10 days:

  • fever, chills,
  • cough or croup (“barking” cough), 
  • shortness of breath, 
  • sore throat, difficulty swallowing, 
  • decrease or loss of taste or smell, 
  • unexplained muscle aches, 
  • falling down often (for older people), 
  • extreme tiredness, 
  • pink eye (conjunctivitis), 
  • unexplained/prolonged headache, 
  • digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), 
  • runny or stuffy/congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or underlying condition).

OR

2. You have been in close contact with someone:

  • who was sick with any new COVID-19 symptoms, OR 
  • who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days.

OR

3. You have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.

If you answered YES to any of the questions please reschedule your appointment.

If you answered YES to question #1, it is recommended you get tested and reschedule your appointment when you are well.

Please DO NOT arrive for your appointment early. Arrive just on time. Due to COVID public health measures we have limited waiting room space available. Dress for the weather as you may be required to wait outdoors before entering the clinic.

  • Take any regular medication and eat meals as usual.
  • Bring a list of any medications you are taking.
  • Make sure to wear a loose fitting shirt that allows easy access to your upper arm. 
  • Bring your health card and any other form of proof of eligibility if required. 
  • Bring assistive devices as needed (e.g. scooter, wheelchair, cane) 
  • Reading glasses and/or hearing aid, if required 
  • Your mask. 
  • A support person if required: one person can accompany a client to their appointment if they need assistance. Everyone needs to ensure they are following public health measures.
  • ONLY in the case where a substitute decision maker is filling out consent on behalf of someone getting the vaccine please read, fill out and bring this form COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form with you to the appointment.

If you are or a loved one require assistance (mobility, interpretation of instructions etc.) please see the clinic coordinator or screener - they can help.  

  • You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before entering into the clinic.
  • One of Health Canada's approved mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is administered at our community clinics. You will not be able to select which vaccine you are administered.
  • You will be asked to verbally provide your consent to acknowledge ( we will go over these details with you at the appointment, feel free to ask the staff questions at this time):
    − the collection, use and disclosure of personal health information
    − that you understand and consent to data collection, use and disclosure
    You also have the choice to consent to being contacted about research studies related to the COVID-19 vaccine in the future.
  • Wear your mask, clean/sanitize your hands, and practice physical distancing from others (at least 2 metres) while at the clinic. 
  • It is important that you arrive just on time, not any earlier. Due to COVID public health measures we have limited waiting room space available. Dress for the weather as you may be required to wait outdoors before entering the clinic. 
  • You will be required to wait 15 minutes (30 minutes for those with a history of severe allergies) after getting your vaccine to be sure you are feeling well. Let the clinic staff know right away if you feel unwell while waiting. 
  • Review the After Care Sheet that tells you what to expect after vaccination.

Also note: 

  • The appointment in your name cannot be transferred to another individual 
  • No drop-ins are allowed.

Common side effects

Similar to medications and other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for some people. Most side effects are minor and don’t last very long. Side effects are more likely to happen after the second dose. Examples of common side effects that have been reported the vaccines include redness or swelling where the vaccine was given, tiredness/headache, muscle/joint pain, chills/fever, and diarrhea

Rare side effects

Serious side effects after receiving the vaccine are rare. Most serious reactions will occur shortly after injection, and clinic staff are prepared to help you if you have an allergic reaction should it occur. However, should you develop any of the following adverse reactions within three days of receiving the vaccine, seek medical attention right away or call 911 if needed. Rare serious side effects include allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face or mouth, trouble breathing), very pale colour, serious drowsiness, high fever (over 40°C), convulsions or seizures, and numbness (pins and needles).

If you have a reaction that requires you to seek medical care, your healthcare provider will inform public health of any serious side effects after vaccination.

You can use a cool damp cloth where the vaccine was given to help with soreness. If needed, pain or fever medication (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help with pain or fever.

Reporting an adverse reaction to a vaccine

If you are concerned about any reactions you experience after receiving the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider. Any side effects that are greater than common side effects listed on your aftercare sheet from the immunization clinic or that are concerning to you should be reported to SMDHU Immunization Program at 705-721-7520 ext. 8806. One of our immunization nurses will collect the information and advise you on next steps.

If you experienced side effects that were more severe than the common side effects after your first dose, make sure to tell the person providing the second dose about the side affects you experienced the first time.

Reported side effects are collected provincially, nationally and internationally and guidance about getting the vaccine is adjusted as required.

Other things to know after you get the vaccine

  • Do not get any other vaccines until you have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and at least 28 days have passed after the second dose (unless considered necessary by your health care provider).
  • If you are planning to become pregnant, it is recommended that you wait 28 days after receiving the vaccine. 
  • You will be provided with a paper certificate as proof of immunization and, if you consent, it will also be emailed to you. Be sure to keep that as you may be required to notify your workplace’s Occupational Health and Wellness department that you have been immunized and provide them with proof of immunization.

If you scheduled an appointment through the provincial online vaccine booking system, you can reschedule or cancel:

  • online – go to the confirmation email you got when you booked and follow the instructions 
  • by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)

You will need your: 

  • health card (information on front and back) 
  • postal code

Page last modified: March 31, 2021

Did you find what you were looking for today?
What did you like about this page?
How can we improve this page?
Page
Feedback

If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

Thanks for your feedback.
Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
Comment already submitted ...