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Immunization protects you from disease.
Get protected, get immunized. - Vaccines make your immune system stronger. They build antibodies to help prevent diseases.
- Immunization is safe. It's much safer to get immunized than to get this disease.
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What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine protects against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (also known as COVID-19).
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine?
You should get the COVID-19 vaccine if you’re age 16 years and older.
Everyone is at risk of COVID-19. The vaccine is very important for people who are more likely to be in contact with the virus because of where they work or live. This includes healthcare providers and people who live in a care facility, such as a nursing home.
It’s also important for people who have a high risk of complications from COVID-19 to get the vaccine.
This includes people who:
- have health problems, such as a weak immune system, heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- have a lot of extra weight
- are over the age of 60
The vaccine is free and will be offered to everyone over the age of 16 years. The vaccine will be offered first to:
- those at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19
- those who may spread disease to people at high risk
- essential workers, like frontline healthcare workers
Go to
ahs.ca/covidvaccine to find out when you can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
How many doses do I need?
You need 2 doses that are 3 or 4 weeks apart. This depends on the type of COVID-19 vaccine you get.
Your healthcare provider will let you know when you need your second dose. You need both doses to make sure you have the best protection against COVID-19.
Are there different types of COVID-19 vaccines?
There may be 2 or more types of COVID-19 vaccines that’ll be available in Alberta. They all protect against the COVID-19 virus but they’re made by different companies.
How well does the vaccine work?
If you’re healthy and get both doses, the protection for COVID-19 is about 95%.
The COVID-19 vaccine will start to protect you about 7 days after you get the second dose.
It’s still important to practice the recommended public health measures, like washing your hands often, staying 2 metres away from others, and staying home when you’re sick, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, even if you’ve had the vaccine.
Visit
ahs.ca/covid for the most up-to-date information.
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Go to
ahs.ca/covidvaccine to find out where and when you can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Are there side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?
There can be side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
- redness, swelling, or feeling sore where you had the needle
- feeling tired
- headache
- fever or chills
- body aches or sore joints
- vomiting (throwing up) or loose stool (diarrhea)
It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you’ll get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
How can I manage side effects?
- To help with soreness and swelling, put a cool, wet cloth over the area where you had the needle.
- There is medicine to help with fever or pain. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re not sure what medicine or dosage to give. Follow the directions on the package.
- Children under the age of 18 years should
not take aspirin because it can cause serious health problems.
- Some people with health problems, such as a weak immune system, must call their doctor if they get a fever. If you’ve been told to do this, call your doctor even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.
Who should not have the COVID-19 vaccine?
You may not be able to have the vaccine if you:
- have an allergy to parts of the vaccine
- had a severe or unusual side effect after this vaccine or one like it
- have a weak immune system (due to medicine or a health problem)
- have an autoimmune disorder (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus)
- are under age 16 years
- have had another vaccine in the last 2 weeks
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
Always tell your healthcare provider if you have allergies or if you have had a side effect from a vaccine in the past.
Facts about COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus responsible for a worldwide pandemic. The virus affects the lungs and airways (also called a respiratory illness). Symptoms may include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
Most people have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. But some people, such as seniors and adults with other health problems, can get very sick and may need care in a hospital. In serious cases, COVID-19 can cause a lung infection (called pneumonia), that makes it hard to breathe without help, and can even lead to death.
Go to
ahs.ca/covid for a list of all symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.
How does it spread?
COVID-19 spreads:
- when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks
- if you breathe in the virus
- if you touch something that carries the virus, like hands or a door knob, then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose
It’s important to know that COVID-19 can spread before symptoms start.
Go to ahs.ca/covid to find out more.
How can I prevent COVID-19 from spreading?
To prevent COVID-19 from spreading:
- get immunized
- wash your hands with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often
- don’t touch your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- cover your cough or sneeze into your arm or a tissue, not your hand
- stay home when you’re sick
- avoid close contact with people who are sick
If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms, take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment at
ahs.ca/testing.
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