Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
No. Saskatchewan's immunization programs are voluntary.
How does the vaccine protect against COVID-19?
mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response without using the live virus that causes COVID-19. Once triggered, our body then makes antibodies. These antibodies help us fight the infection if the real virus does enter our body in the future. The vaccine is given as a needle in the upper arm.
Who should get the vaccine?
Anyone six months of age and older who is eligible should be immunized against COVID-19. If you have concerns, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
What does it mean that a vaccine is "95% effective"?
Vaccine efficacy means how well the vaccine works or its ability to prevent the illness during clinical trials. Vaccine efficacy of 95% indicates a 95% reduction in disease occurrence among the vaccinated group.
Can I still get COVID-19 after vaccination?
COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are safe and effective and will prevent the most serious health outcomes for the majority of residents but vaccination will not stop 100 per cent of transmission. A percentage of people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 may still develop COVID-19 when exposed to the virus. It takes up to 14 days to build immunity following the primary vaccination series. For more information, refer to Information Sheets for each type of COVID-19 vaccine are available.
Are there any groups who cannot tolerate/receive the vaccine at all?
Information Sheets for each type of COVID-19 vaccine are available. If you have concerns, you should talk to your health care provider.
What are the expected side effects?
You may have some side effects a day or two after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. Other side effects may include mild fever, chills, headache, joint or muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, or feeling tired. Most side effects are not serious and will go away on their own. As with all vaccines, there's a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. Information Sheets for each type of COVID-19 vaccine are available
All residents will be asked to report any adverse or unexpected reactions to HealthLine 811.
Do you receive some protection from just one dose of the two-dose primary-series vaccines?
You are afforded some protection with one dose, but the two-dose primary-series vaccines require a second dose in order to ensure the full immune system response. Booster doses are recommended to protect against the current COVID-19 variants. Full protection will help reduce the risk of transmission, as well as prevent the most severe forms of the COVID-19 illness and death.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated for COVID-19 when the vaccine is available?
Vaccination is recommended even if you've had COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine dose should be given at least three months after infection. More time between infection and vaccination is recommended to ensure a strong immune response. However, immunization after infection may be provided upon request if your symptoms have improved.
What brand of vaccine am I getting?
All of the vaccines being administered are effective and approved by Health Canada for use. All of them are important to help protect the public from severe illness and death from COVID-19.