This page provides provides information about how COVID vaccines work and how best to discuss COVID vaccine with friends and family.

Vaccines teach our body how to defend against COVID

Corona virus that causes the COVID-19 disease is a new virus to the human body

Our body’s defence to this new infection, also called as immune system, is unprepared

The vaccines teach your body’s immune system how to identify and fight the virus

Canadians have access to following COVID vaccines.

2 doses over 21 days apart for 12 years or older

2 doses over 21 days apart for 18 years or older

2 doses over 28 days apart for 18 years or older

Vaccines are saving lives and hospitalizations every day

>56 million vaccines administered have reduced cases counts per day in Canada

Vaccine benefits far outweighs the risks by reducing risk of deaths and hospitalizations

• Chances of deaths and hospitalizations are reduced by more than 95% in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated people

• 1 in 3,000 people vaccinated may have some serious side effects (this is rare)

Exercise precautions after Vaccination

Even vaccinated people need to continue wearing masks because they can get infection and can spread infection

Vaccinated people need to continue preventive measures (e.g., avoid crowded places, hand washes) because vaccines may not be as effective for new version of virus called variants

Vaccinated people need to protect themselves from infections because 10-15% of COVID infected people continue to experience symptoms for more than 3 months after infection, a condition called Long-COVID

Vaccines are for everyone eligible.

COVID vaccines are safe for children and should be given to avoid infections to other family members

Vaccines do not interfere with reproduction or pregnancy and all women should have the vaccine

Accommodate and understand these friends and family members who cannot vaccinate because of their medical conditions (e.g., allergies)

Have more questions, feel free to contact Public Health Agency of Canada COVID information line

1-833-784-4397 or

1-800-465-7735 (TTY)

(Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET)