COVID-19 - Getting the Vaccine
It’s important to get your flu shot and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, and it is safe to get both at the same time. Get information on this year’s seasonal flu vaccine here.
COVID-19 Immunization Clinics are located in communities across Prince Edward Island.
Beginning in the fall of 2023 for those previously vaccinated against COVID-19, NACI recommends a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing formulation of COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 6 months of age and older if it has been at least 6 months from the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose or known SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later). For those who have not received a COVID-19 primary series NACI recommends receiving the updated XBB.1.5 formulation.
The updated vaccines are based on the Omicron XBB.1.5 formulation and are a better match for the variants currently in circulation.
- If you had COVID-19 and require your primary series, you should wait at least 8 weeks (56 days) to get the vaccine.
- If you had COVID-19 and have completed your primary series, you should wait 6 months (168 days) to get your next dose.
Islanders with an upcoming mammogram appointment: Lymph nodes in the underarms of patients who were recently vaccinated with COVID-19 sometimes may become enlarged. Additional clinical assessment by your health care provider following your mammogram may be required. We encourage you to attend your breast screening appointment but, if you do not feel comfortable you may reschedule your mammogram for 6 weeks after being vaccinated. Please bring your COVID-19 vaccine information to your next mammogram appointment. Please visit the PEI Breast Screening Program for additional information.
Who is strongly recommended to get a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine this fall?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) indicates that immunization is particularly important for those at increased risk of COVID-19 infection of severe disease, for example:
- Adults 65 years of age or older;
- Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings;
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions or who are immunocompromised that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19;
- Individuals who are pregnant;
- Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
- Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities;
- People who provide essential community services.
Book your appointment at a Health PEI clinic
COVID-19 Immunization Clinics are offering the vaccine to individuals 6 months of age and older. Moderna SpikevaxTM XBB.1.5 and Pfizer-BioNTechTM XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines are available starting in October 2023. Check the link below for appointment times.
- Use the online booking tool
- Call toll-free 1-844-975-3303
Book your appointment at a pharmacy
Individuals 12 years of age and older can receive their primary series of the COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses at a number of partner pharmacies in PEI. Moderna SpikevaxTM XBB.1.5 and Pfizer-BioNTechTM XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines are available starting in October 2023 at participating pharmacies. Check the link below to connect with a pharmacy for available appointments.
Getting a Vaccine
What do I need to book my appointment?
If you have a PEI health card, have your health card number ready when booking your appointment. (You do not need to have a PEI health card to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment or be vaccinated against COVID-19 in PEI).
How should I prepare for my appointment?
- Do not attend your appointment if you are having symptoms of illness; fever, cough, sore throat
- Wear a short sleeve shirt when going to the clinic
What do I do if I need to reschedule my vaccine appointment?
If your vaccine appointment is booked for a COVID-19 Immunization Clinic, you can cancel your current appointment and reschedule it for a later date through our online booking partner Skip The Waiting Room. You can also call the COVID-19 Immunization Program toll-free at 1-844-975-3303.
If you booked your vaccine appointment with a partner pharmacy, you need to contact the pharmacy directly to reschedule your appointment.
How do I cancel my COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointment online?
Tip: Have your PEI health card close by
- Go to the Skip the Waiting Room homepage – https://skipthewaitingroom.com/
- Enter the phone number in the top right corner used to book your online appointment.
- Enter the last four digits of your PEI health card.
- Select the appointment you would like to cancel.
- Scroll down the web page to the “Update Your Online Appointment” section and click cancel.
- Verify the contact number used to book your appointment.
- Click close and a message will appear confirming that your appointment has been cancelled.
I’ve already been vaccinated and/or had COVID-19. Why should I get another dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?
Even if you've received previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or already had COVID-19 and recovered, you should still get a dose of vaccine this fall. While you may experience some increase in immunity after being infected with COVID-19, that is not enough to increase your overall immunity over a longer period of time. In addition, the updated vaccines are a better match for the currently circulating strains, so an additional dose this fall will provide you with even better protection against a future infection and severe illness..
What is informed consent?
Informed consent means that you agree to receive the vaccine and understand the risks of receiving the vaccine and the risks if you do not receive the vaccine. You will be provided information on the vaccine and should ask the nurse or pharmacist any questions you may have before receiving the vaccine.
I am unable or prefer not to receive an mRNA or viral vector COVID-19 vaccine, is there another COVID-19 vaccine option available to me?
An updated version of the Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine based on the XBB.1.5 variant is not yet available but is being reviewed by Health Canada. This is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine and an option for individuals who have been unable or prefer not to receive an mRNA vaccine.
Should I receive COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
Getting vaccinated at any point during your pregnancy helps protect you and your baby.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends that people who are pregnant stay up-to-date on their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
If you are breastfeeding it is safe for your baby and you to be vaccinated.
I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) in the past. Should I get the vaccine?
To date, no increased risk of GBS has been identified following vaccination with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty original and Moderna Spikevax original). Investigations have identified an increased risk of GBS following vaccination with the viral vector COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca Vaxzevria).
What is the Vaccine Injury Support Program?
The Vaccine Injury Support Program (VISP) is a no-fault program that provides compensation for anyone vaccinated in Canada (except Quebec) who has experienced a serious and permanent injury as a result of receiving any Health Canada authorized vaccine after December 8, 2020.
More information can be found at the following link;
https://vaccineinjurysupport.ca/en