Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in Canada?

For more information on Health Canada approved vaccines, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

  1. Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and how can I get an appointment?

Visit the Get the Shot page to determine who is currently eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment and how to book.

  1. 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.

  1. Will I be able to choose which vaccine I receive?

Vaccine supply may limit opportunities to choose which vaccine you receive. Vaccination is an important public health measure to control the spread of COVID-19 and all are safe and effective.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 and completed their isolation period before getting their next dose.

Public health recommends waiting 3 months after a COVID-19 infection to receive a COVID-19 vaccine provided it has been 20 weeks since your last dose.

Recommendations may be different if you are moderately to severely immunocompromised. 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.

For more information on NACI’s recommendation on interval between infection and getting your next COVID-19 vaccine dose, please visit: COVID-19 vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide – Canada.ca.

  1. Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose?

Visit the Get the Shot page for more information about booster doses.

  1. Which vaccine will I receive as a COVID-19 booster dose?

You can receive either Moderna Spikevax or Pfizer Comirnaty as a booster dose. All adults aged 18 and over. and individuals 12 years of age or older with an underlying medical condition that places them at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease. are eligible to receive a COVID-19 Bivalent fall booster dose.

If you are 18 years and older and you are unable or choose not to receive an mRNA vaccine, you may receive the Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine as a booster dose.

  1. I received previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in another province or territory, can I get another dose while in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Every attempt should be made to receive all eligible doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the province or territory where you received the first dose. If this is not possible, please visit the Get the Shot page to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, based on eligibility recommendations in NL.  It will be important to provide documentation of previous doses received, if possible.

  1. I received my first dose of COVID-19 vaccine outside of Canada and the vaccine I received is not approved in Canada. What should I do for my second dose?

It is recommended that you start a new COVID-19 vaccine series with a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine.  You will be able to book a full series of one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in this province. Please visit the Get the Shot page to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

  1. I received a full COVID-19 vaccination series outside of Canada and the vaccine I received in not approved in Canada. Should I also receive a Health Canada approved vaccine series?
  • If you had a complete course/series of a non-Health Canada authorized vaccine, the addition of one dose of mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) is expected to optimize protection.
  • If you already received three doses of any COVID-19 vaccine, no further doses would be recommended at this time unless you are eligible for a booster dose.
  1. I received previous doses of a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine while in another country. What should I do about my next dose?

You may be eligible to receive an additional dose of COVID-19.  Please visit the Get the Shot page to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment based on vaccine eligibility recommendations.  It will be important to provide documentation of previous doses received, if possible

Please keep your COVID-19 vaccine record from your first dose, and bring to your second dose appointment. This information is needed for your second dose.

  1. I received my first COVID-19 vaccination at a Public Health Clinic. Can I go to my local Pharmacy or Physicians office for my second dose?

If you go to a different clinic for your second dose, please remember to cancel your public health clinic appointment and be sure to bring your record of immunization to your pharmacy or physician clinic. This information is needed for your second dose.

  1. Should I get the vaccine if I am immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition?

Vaccination is encouraged. However, if you are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) or have an autoimmune condition you may talk to your health care provider prior to your vaccination appointment to discuss the potential risks and benefits of having the COVID-19 vaccine.

  1. Should I get the vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Vaccination is recommended. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding you may talk to your health care provider prior to your vaccination appointment to discuss any questions you have regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.