COVID-19

About the COVID-19 vaccines

Vaccines teach our immune system to make antibodies that help protect us from the COVID-19
virus. COVID vaccines reduce the chance of serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. 

  • There are currently 2 COVID-19 vaccines available in the Yukon:
    • Moderna Spikevax (mRNA) recommended for those aged 6 months and older
    • Pfizer Comirnaty (mRNA) available for those clients aged 12 years and older

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  • Moderna Spikevax (mRNA) recommended for those aged 6 months and older
  • Pfizer Comirnaty (mRNA) available for those clients aged 12 years and older
  • People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition, can get the vaccine.
  • Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should wait to be vaccinated so that they do not spread infection to others at the vaccine clinic.
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  • COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person coughing, sneezing, talking  or breathing. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects, and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
  • Most people with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. Common symptoms include fever, cough, tiredness, muscle or joint pain and loss of taste or smell.
  • Others may have more serious symptoms including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, confusion and chest pain. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
  • Some people who have had COVID-19, both mild and severe cases, experience long-term health effects. This is called post COVID-19 condition or long COVID.
  • Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against severe complications from COVID-19
  • Effective at reducing the risk of post COVID-19 condition
  • When you are your child gets vaccinated you help protect others as well, including those who cannot get the vaccine
  • Common reactions to the immunization may include redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site. Some may develop a fever, headache, fatigue, or digestive problems. These are generally mild and last 1-2 days. 
  • Side effects of the immunization are easily relieved by: Applying a cold/damp compress to the site, administering a pain-relieving medication such as acetaminophen if needed. Talk to health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours.
  • It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any immunization because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Find out how to get immunized