COVID-19

About the COVID-19 vaccines

  • COVID-19 vaccines cause our body to produce antibodies that help keep us from getting sick if we are exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
  • If infected, the vaccines can also reduce symptoms and help prevent serious illness, hospitalization or death.
  • There are currently 3 COVID-19 vaccines available in the Yukon:
    • Pfizer Comirnaty (mRNA)
    • Moderna Spikevax (mRNA)
    • Novavax Nuvaxovid (protein-based)
  • You need 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to get full protection. This is called your primary series. A 3rd dose is recommended for people with moderate to severely compromised immune systems such as those receiving active cancer treatment.
  • After your primary series, additional doses 6 months later helps “boost” your protection. These are called a booster dose.
  • There are currently no COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 5 months of age or younger.

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  • Children ages 6 months to 5 years receive the Moderna Spikevax vaccine
  • Children ages 5 to 11 receive the Pfizer Comirnaty pediatric vaccine
  • Youth and adults ages 12 to 29 receive the Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine
  • Adults ages 30 and older receive the Moderna Spikevax vaccine or the Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine.
  • The Novavax Nuvaxovid is a protein-based vaccine option for adults ages 18 and older who are unable or unwilling to receive an COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
  • People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised or have an autoimmune condition, can get the vaccine.
  • Booster doses are given to people aged 12 and over 6 months after completing their primary series.
  • 2nd boosters are available to people 18 years of age and older, 6 months after their 1st booster
  • 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.
  • In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • 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 COVID-19 infection.
  • In clinical trials the vaccine prevented people from becoming sick with COVID-19 and from severe illness, hospitalization and death.
  • Booster doses improve the level of protection against infection that may have decreased since receiving the primary series.
  • This vaccine is free and available to everyone 5 years of age and older. 
  • Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are usually mild. Serious side effects are very rare. 
  • Rare cases of heart inflammation have been reported with the mRNA vaccines.
  • For 7 days after vaccine monitor for:
    • chest pain;
    • shortness of breath;
    • feeling that your heart is fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding that does not go away with rest or is accompanied by other symptoms. Note this rare event was not seen in the Pfizer clinical trials for 5 to 11 year olds.
  • If you develop serious side effects or a severe allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of your face, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention or call 911 right away.
  • Some of the side effects of the vaccine are similar to symptoms of COVID-19 infection, while others are not. Runny nose, sore throat and cough are not side effects of the vaccine. It is important not to assume that all symptoms are due to the vaccine.
  • If you received the vaccine and experience symptoms of COVID-19 you should stay home and self-isolate.

Find out how to get immunized