This page was last reviewed on February 13, 2023
Vaccines & Booster
MODC currently requires all employees and volunteers to have their primary series to be considered fully vaccinated. Does this include boosters?
Studies show that a booster dose provides additional protection against new variants and sub-variants of the virus.
That’s why we strongly encourage all employees to book their booster doses as soon as possible, even though they aren’t necessary to be considered fully vaccinated.
Am I fully vaccinated if I don’t get a booster?
Yes, you’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your primary series two doses for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna or one dose of Johnson and Johnson.
Being up to date, on the other hand, means you’ve received your primary doses as well as any booster shots for which you’re eligible. Boosters provide the best and strongest protection against hospitalization, serious illness, and death.
Do I need a booster to be considered up to date on my vaccinations?
In general, up-to-date means that you’ve gotten every dose recommended by public health authorities, including boosters. This Government of Canada webpage explains what booster shots you’re eligible for.
How were the COVID-19 vaccines developed so quickly? Are they reliable?
Luckily for us in the 21st century, medical science has been developing mRNA vaccines for decades, a type of technology that does not contain any viral particles. This means that mRNA vaccines don’t have to be created from scratch.
The YouTube video How the COVID-19 vaccines were created so quickly – Kaitlyn Sadtler and Elizabeth Wayne is a great resource for understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work and were developed. The authors of this video are scientists who have participated in extensive research in the field of vaccine immunology and possess scientific knowledge in the development of mRNA vaccines.
Do boosters and primary doses contain the same ingredients?
Yes—COVID-19 boosters contain the same ingredients as primary vaccine doses. Moderna doses are half the amount of the primary series, but there’s no other difference.
Why do I need a booster if the vaccines work?
We know that the available vaccines are safe and effective—they reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. We also know that their efficacy decreases over time, which is why it’s important to restore your protection by getting every booster for which you’re eligible.
I got COVID-19 even though I’m fully vaccinated. Why should I get a booster?
No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing illness, including the COVID-19 vaccines. What they do is significantly reduce your risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death if you get a break-through infection. That’s their purpose, and they’re very effective at fulfilling it—unvaccinated people are four times more likely to end up in the hospital, and six times likely to end up in ICU, than someone who is fully vaccinated. That protection wanes over time, though—that’s why boosters are necessary.
I just had COVID-19. Should I still get a booster?
Yes—natural immunity will protect you for a while but vaccines provide much longer immunity, so please get your booster as soon as you’re eligible.
This Government of Canada website provides information about when you should get vaccinated after having COVID-19.
I experienced side-effects from my last vaccination. Will the booster cause the same thing?
Side-effects after vaccination, including boosters, are normal—they indicate that your body is building protection and should go away fairly quickly. Serious side-effects that lead long term health problems are extremely unlikely. Please reach out to your healthcare provider with any questions.
What if I don’t feel well after my vaccination and need time off? Will MODC pay for my sick time? What if I’ve already used all my sick time?
Regular MODC policies apply for any vaccine-related absences. You can use sick time or take leave without pay if you’ve used your sick time.
Can I get paid time off for my vaccination appointment?
Vaccinations are like any other appointments, and the usual policies apply. If you can’t schedule your vaccination outside of work hours, let your direct supervisor know when you’ll be away and use the appropriate type of leave available to you. You could also flex your work schedule to accommodate if that option is available.
Are the vaccines safe if I’m pregnant or planning to get pregnant?
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada are all safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women and for women who plan to get pregnant. COVID-19 can cause pre-term birth, still-birth, and other complications, so it’s important to prevent severe illness by getting vaccinated.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine permanently affect my menstrual cycle?
No, emerging scientific research shows that COVID-19 vaccines may cause small, and only temporary changes in menstruation. This can include longer than usual cycles, shorter intervals between cycles and heavier bleeding than usual. Rest assured that there’s no scientific evidence of COVID-19 vaccines causing fertility problems.
How can I make an appointment to get vaccinated?
There are a few ways to book your vaccination:
- Provincial or territorial government.
- Public health unit.
- Primary healthcare provider.
- Shoppers Drug Mart.
- Rexall Pharmacies.
In general, you’ll need your provincial or territorial health card, as well as details about any previous COVID-19 vaccinations, to book your appointment.