A COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from COVID-19 and its variants. Vaccines stop the spread of COVID-19 and will help us get back to the things we’ve missed!

COVID-19 is a virus that causes an infection in your body and may make you very sick. COVID-19 can cause serious illness in all age groups, including youth, especially with new variants of concern. Like everyone else, you are able to pass COVID-19 to friends and family even if you don’t feel sick.

Yes. Starting February 18, 2022 all youth ages 12-17 can receive a booster dose when it has been 168 days since their second dose.

Scientists and medical experts at Health Canada look at the information on COVID-19 vaccine studies from around the world and only approve vaccines for use in Canada once they know it is safe. These experts at Health Canada also continue to watch as people are getting the vaccine to make sure it continues to be safe.

Millions of youth across the United States and Canada, including 5200+ youth in CK, have already received the Pfizer vaccine and serious side effects are extremely rare.

Yes. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective in protecting you against COVID-19 after getting both doses. Studies from the United States found the Pfizer vaccine was 100% effective in youth ages 12-15. It is very important to get both doses of the vaccine for it to provide you with the best protection.

Side effects from the vaccine are different for everyone. They can be annoying but they are a sign that the vaccine is working and they only last for a short time. Some people may not even get any side effects. Common side effects that you may have include:

On the arm where you got the vaccine:

• pain
• redness
• swelling

Throughout the rest of your body:

• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• chills
• fever
• nausea

These side effects are similar to what you may have experienced after getting other vaccines, like the flu shot or Hepatitis B shot.

Serious side effects from the vaccine such as myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare.

Lots of people are nervous about needles. It is very common! If you are nervous, here are some things you can do:

• Communicate: Let the person giving you the vaccine know that you are nervous. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. They want to help you be comfortable!
• Distract: Bring something to read, listen to music, look at pictures, or talk to someone.
• Look away: Try not to watch the person get the vaccine ready or watch them give it to you.

The vaccine will not give you COVID-19. The vaccine tells your body how to build your immune system up to fight the COVID-19 virus if you come into contact with it – but this does not happen right away! It takes time for your body to build immunity. If you are exposed to COVID-19 right before or right after getting your vaccine, your body will not be immune and you may get sick.

All vaccinations provided by CK Public Health require parental consent for all individuals under the age of 14

If you have severe allergies or are allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor.

Yes, you should still get the vaccine even if you have had COVID-19. Having COVID-19 may have given you some protection, but we do not know how long it will last or if you will be protected against the COVID-19 variants. At this time, it is recommended that you wait 3 months after testing positive for COVID-19.

You do not need your health card to get the vaccine, but if you have one you should bring it with you.

You or your parent or guardian must provide consent for vaccination. If you are providing consent, it means you understand:

• What the vaccination involves;
• Why it is being recommended; and
• The risks and benefits of accepting or refusing the vaccination.

If you need help getting to the clinic, Family Service Kent can help you:

• Free rides to vaccination appointments in CK for seniors and persons with disabilities of all ages. More info.
• adVANtage Transportation (for ages 0-59) call 519.354.6221 extension 275 or email advantage@familyservicekent.com

You can also use Ride CK (formerly CKTransit) – Route 5 goes right to the Bradley Centre.

After you get your vaccine, you will be asked to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. There are nurses and paramedics there to help you if you start to feel unwell.

There are many options for you to get your vaccine:

• 730 Richmond Street (former YA Canada building)
• Pop-up and COVID-19 community vaccine clinics
• Select pharmacies
• Some doctor’s offices

For a current list of clinic options, please visit: https://ckphu.com/covid-19-vaccination-clinics/.

Yes, walk-in appointments are now accepted.

Visit https://ckphu.com/covid-19-vaccine-resources-for-youth/ or https://ckphu.com/covid-19-vaccines/ for more information and to book your appointment.