COVID-19

Vaccine Basics

Immunization is one of the most important and cost-effective public health innovations. Immunization has saved more lives than any other health intervention and has contributed to the reduction in morbidity and mortality in adults, children and other vulnerable populations. Without immunizations, we can expect to see serious outbreaks of many diseases that we are now protected against.

Immunization doesn’t just protect the people who get immunized – it protects those around them too. When a majority of the people in a community are immunized against a disease, it greatly reduces the chances of that disease spreading in the community, protecting people such as infants who are too young to be immunized and those who are not able to get immunized due to medical reasons.

Learn about Immunization

WHAT IS COVID-19?

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be very contagious and spread quickly to anyone infected with the virus. While most people infected with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without needed medical treatment, some people will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Unfortunately, some people who become seriously ill will succumb to the disease. Thankfully, there are several COVID-19 vaccines authorized and available for use in North America. The best way to help slow transmission of and protect you from serious COVID-19 illness is by getting immunized.

WHY GET VACCINATED?

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They train your body's immune system to recognize the virus and fight it off. This significantly reduces your risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to others, especially those who are more vulnerable. Vaccination helps:

Protect Yourself

Vaccines substantially decrease the chances of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.

Protect Others

Vaccination reduces the spread of the virus, safeguarding those who cannot be vaccinated, like young children or immunocompromised individuals.

Reduce Strain on Healthcare Systems

By lowering the number of severe cases, vaccination helps ensure healthcare resources are available for everyone who needs them.

Booster Shots

Maintaining Protection Over time, the effectiveness of vaccines can wane. Booster shots are additional doses that enhance your immune response and strengthen your protection against COVID-19.

People with underlying health conditions

Those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 benefit greatly from booster shots.

Older adults

Immune response weakens with age, so booster shots are crucial for this population.

Healthcare workers and essential personnel

These frontline individuals are frequently exposed to the virus, making booster shots essential for their protection.

Clearing the Confusion: Addressing Misinformation

Myth

Vaccines cause serious side effects.

Fact

Most side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are mild and short-lived, such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, or headache. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Myth

It is better to catch COVID-19 than to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fact

False. COVID-19 can be very serious and can lead to pneumonia, organ failure, blood clots, and hospitalization, among other potential outcomes. In fact, as of November 11, 2023, 55,275 people in Canada have died due to COVID-19. Some people who catch COVID-19 will have symptoms that last for weeks to years. Getting immunized against COVID-19 is the best way to protect against it.

Fact

There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility in anyone who receives it. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe to receive if you are planning a pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccine can cause fertility problems and will affect my ability to have a baby.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccines can cause COVID-19.

Fact

The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a live version of the virus, meaning you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Myth

There is a 2-in-1 vaccine that protects against both influenza (flu) and COVID-19.

a gloved hand holding a vial with a liquid inside of it

Fact

False. There is no vaccine that protects against both influenza and COVID-19. However, you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine and your influenza vaccine at the same visit, one in each arm.

Myth

COVID-19 vaccines can change your DNA.

Fact

False. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines can change your DNA. The mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines introduce COVID-19 mRNA (genetic material) into the cells of your body to help teach your immune system how to recognize COVID-19 and protect you against it. But this mRNA never interacts with or changes your DNA, as it never enters the nucleus of the cell – the place where your DNA is located.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips used to track us.

Fact

False. There are no microchips in the COVID-19 vaccines. This myth originated from a misinterpreted statement made by Bill Gates in 2020. Various statements made by Bill and Melinda Gates over the years have been used to create fake videos and sound bites used to further spread this disinformation. There is no factual basis for the claim. For more information.

Myth

The COVID-19 vaccines were developed too quickly. They’re not safe.

Fact

Vaccines are some of the most rigorously tested and strictly regulated medical products in the world. In Canada and internationally, vaccines must prove that they meet strict standards of safety and effectiveness (how well they work) before they are approved for use, andthe COVID-19 vaccines have been no exception.

Myth

COVID-19 vaccines can connect you to the Internet/5G networks.

Fact

False. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines can connect you to the Internet or 5G networks. Neither the COVID-19 virus, nor viruses in general, nor the cells in our bodies have the ability to connect to the Internet or 5G networks. For more information on where this myth came from, please see this article in The Conversation by Dr. Archa Fox.

Myth

COVID-19 vaccines can cause cancer.

Fact

False. There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines can cause cancer. In fact, there is no evidence that vaccines can cause cancer in general. However, there are vaccines that can protect against certain types of cancer, such as the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine.

Myth

The mRNA technology used to make some of the COVID-19 vaccines is too new. It’s not safe.

person holding white and black labeled bottle

Fact

mRNA (messenger RNA) technology is not as new as you might think! Scientists have known about and have studied mRNA since the 1960s, and research into mRNA vaccine technology actually began in the 1990s. So, the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may be the first approved mRNA vaccines in the world, but the technology is not new. We owe the creation and success of these.