COVID-19 - Getting the Vaccine
COVID-19 Immunization Clinics are located in communities across Prince Edward Island.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to recommend all previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (6 months of age and older) receive at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine per year.
COVID-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 disease as follows:
- All adults 65 years of age or older
- Those 6 months of age and older who are:
- Residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19, including children with complex health needs
- 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
Certain individuals will benefit from two doses of COVID-19 vaccine per year, given the year-round circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and the anticipated duration of vaccine protection.
The following individuals are recommended to receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine per year:
- Adults 65 years of age or older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and community care facilities
- Individuals 6 months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised*
* Individuals may self-identify as immunocompromised
The second dose can be administered 6 months after the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine or SARS-CoV-2 infection (whichever is later). The minimum interval between COVID-19 doses is 3 months for previously vaccinated individuals. When deciding on the best time to get vaccinated, individuals and their healthcare provider can consider factors such as the time since their last dose or a test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, the level of virus circulation in the community, and upcoming events such as travel or major medical procedures.
Consistent with previous guidance, COVID-19 vaccines may be given concurrently (i.e., same day), or at any time before or after non-COVID-19 vaccines (including live and non-live vaccines).
For previously vaccinated individuals, the recommended interval is 6 months from the last COVID-19 dose, with a minimum interval of 3 months from the last dose.
Book your appointment at a Health PEI clinic
Public Health Nursing immunization Clinics are offering the vaccine to individuals 6 months of age and older. Check the link below for appointment times.
- Use the online booking tool
- Call toll-free 1-844-975-3303
Book Your Appointment at a Community Pharmacy
Contact your local pharmacy online or by telephone to schedule an appointment. Individuals ages 5 and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a community pharmacy.
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.
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 when 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 of the updated vaccine will provide you with even better protection against a future infection and severe illness.
Will Novavax (Nuvaxoid) vaccine be available?
At this time, Novavax (protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine) is not available in Canada. Individuals who are unable to receive an mRNA vaccine, should speak with their health care provider about treatment options. Canadians, especially those who are immunocompromised, should consider layering personal preventive measures, such as practicing hand hygiene and wearing a well fitted mask when in public.
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.
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 COVID-19 vaccines.
Either mRNA or protein subunit vaccines may be used for pregnant women and pregnant individuals. However, there is more data available for mRNA vaccines than the protein subunit vaccine for people who are pregnant.
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?
Individuals with past history of GBS unrelated to COVID-19 vaccination should receive COVID-19 vaccines as recommended.
Individuals who developed GBS after a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine may receive an mRNA or protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine, after consultation with their health care provider if it is determined that the benefits outweigh the risk and informed consent is provided.
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