COVID-19 - Getting the Vaccine
COVID-19 Immunization Clinics are located in communities across Prince Edward Island.
Starting in the spring of 2024, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that an additional booster dose may be offered 3- 6 months after the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later) for the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
These individuals can access an additional COVID-19 dose in PEI until May 31, 2024. An end date for the spring boosters is due to anticipated recommendations and timing from NACI for a fall 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 recommended to get a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine this spring?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may receive an additional dose of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine:
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors
Individuals 6 months and age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
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, Pfizer-BioNTechTM XBB.1.5 and Novavax NuvaxovidTM XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines are available 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 spring if recommended. 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 available. 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