Current recommendations
An updated Covid-19 vaccine has been approved by Health Canada and will be available for use. Covid-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, death and post Covid-19 condition (long Covid). Starting in fall 2023, it’s recommended that you get an updated Covid-19 vaccine dose if it’s been at least 6 months:
- since your last Covid-19 vaccine dose or
- since you last had Covid-19 (whichever happened later)
If you haven’t received any Covid-19 vaccines before, the updated Covid-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations. Approved vaccines are available at no cost for those 6 months of age and older. Canada continues to recommend Covid-19 vaccination, particularly for those most at risk for infection with the Covid-19 virus or severe complications from Covid-19. Contact your local public health unit for more information on vaccine recommendations and to book an appointment.
Benefits of vaccination
Covid-19 vaccines are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from Covid-19.
Getting vaccinated may also reduce your risk of becoming infected and possibly developing post-Covid-19 condition. If you do become infected, being vaccinated also reduces the likelihood of developing symptoms of post Covid-19 condition compared to people who haven’t received a Covid-19 vaccine.
Post Covid-19 condition, also known as long Covid, is when people still experience symptoms of Covid-19 for weeks or months after their initial infection.
Timing of vaccination
Starting in fall 2023, it’s recommended that you get an updated Covid-19 vaccine dose if it’s been at least 6 months:
- since your last Covid-19 vaccine dose or
- since you last had Covid-19 (whichever happened later)
If you haven’t received any Covid-19 vaccines before, the updated Covid-19 vaccine can be used for your vaccinations.
Provinces and territories design and deliver their own vaccination programs. As a result, vaccination recommendations, including timing of vaccination, may differ by region. It’s still unknown if Covid-19 is a seasonal disease, like flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). When receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, it’s generally recommended to be at least 6 months after your previous dose or known infection with Covid-19. For specific recommendations in your region, contact the public health unit of your province or territory for more information and to book an appointment.
Vaccination after having Covid-19
It’s safe to receive a Covid-19 vaccine following infection with the Covid-19 virus. Vaccination is very important, even if you’ve had Covid-19 . While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection:
- helps improve the immune response
- provides better and longer-lasting protection
Evidence indicates that waiting a period of time after infection with the Covid-19 virus before getting the Covid-19 vaccine can help improve the immune response. If you’ve been previously vaccinated and then had an infection with the Covid-19 virus, it’s recommended that you receive your Covid-19 vaccine 6 or more months after your infection.
When to consult with a health care provider
If you have questions about getting your vaccine, consult with a health care provider, including if you:
- have questions or concerns about Covid-19 vaccination
- are unsure if or when you should receive a Covid-19 vaccine
- are experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19
Learn more: