No. The vaccine does not alter genetics or hormones. The active ingredient in the vaccine is called mRNA. It gets broken down very quickly after it is injected and cannot access your child’s genetics. The COVID-19 vaccines do not affect puberty, the ability to have children, or your child’s hormones as it is not involved in these body systems.

Doctors and scientists are confident in the long-term safety of the COVID-19 vaccines for several reasons.

First, this is not new vaccine technology. Scientists have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades, including for flu, Zika, rabies, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and cancer treatments. Decades of studying mRNA have shown no long-term side effects.

Second, negative effects generally occur within six weeks of receiving the vaccine, and regulators in many countries required at least eight weeks of safety data. The vaccines have now been in use for many months with billions of doses administered around the world.

Third, we are very confident in the track record of Canada’s vaccine approval and safety monitoring system. This means that the end data and safety tests for COVID-19 vaccines are the same as other vaccines that have been approved in Canada over the last several decades. Canada’s system has proven time and again that the data necessary to get through the approval process is sufficient to prove safety, even for the long-term.

When considering long-term risks, a COVID-19 infection is a much more serious concern. The virus can cause long-term damage to lungs and other organs, as well as many other complications. This is called post-COVID-19 syndrome, or long COVID, and it’s one of the reasons why doctors recommend getting vaccinated.

In rare cases, some teens have experienced inflammation of the heart following immunization with a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Typically, this condition has been mild, and people respond well to treatment and make a full recovery. Symptoms of heart inflammation can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of a rapid or abnormal heart rhythm

If your child experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention and inform the health care provider that your child recently received a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Yes. Children with other medical conditions such as Autism; ADHD; heart, lung, or kidney problems; or any other condition can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, kids with other medical issues may be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, so it can be especially important to ensure they are vaccinated.

Yes! Children with allergies can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children with severe allergies to food, medications, and insect bites should all be vaccinated. If your child has had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine or medical product, or if you have other questions about allergic reactions, speak to your health care provider before getting the shot.

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine does not interfere with other medications. Talk to your health care provider if you have more questions.

The initial recommendation is that first and second doses are spaced 4-8 weeks apart. This might change in the future as we learn from the real-world evidence gathered as more and more children are immunized. 

Everyone in Ontario can get the COVID-19 vaccine for free! If you don’t have ID or an OHIP card, try checking in with the place you plan to get the vaccine ahead of time. If you can’t do that, let them know on the day and they will help you navigate through.