Am I at risk for COVID-19?
While anyone can be infected, some people have a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure and/or severe COVID-19 disease and outcomes. The more risk factors people may have, the higher their overall risk is.
COVID-19 risk factors include:
For example:
- congregate living settings and long-term care homes
- occupational settings, such as healthcare workers or other care providers in facilities or community settings
For example:
- being 65 years of age or older
- having certain types of medical conditions
For example:
- socioeconomic status
- belonging to a racialized population (First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities or other equity-denied communities)
Medical conditions and COVID-19 disease
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada and NACI, certain underlying medical conditions have been associated with more severe COVID-19 disease. These include:
C
CANCER & CHRONIC DISEASE
- Cancer
- Chronic disease
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver diseases (cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis)
- chronic lung diseases (bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism)
- cystic fibrosis
- diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2)
- heart conditions (e.g., cardiomyopathies, heart failure)
- smoking (current or former)
O
OBESITY & OBESTETRICS
- Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2)
- Pregnancy and recent pregnancy
V
VASCULAR DISEASE & VULNERABILITIES
Vascular disease
- coronary artery disease
- cerebrovascular disease
Vulnerabilities, medical and/or social
- e.g., people who use substances regularly; persons experiencing homelessness or who are unhoused
I
INFECTION & IMMUNO-COMPROMISED
Infection
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- tuberculosis
Immunocompromised
- primary immunodeficiency diseases
- solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- use of immunosuppressive medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
D
DISABILITIES & DISORDERS
Disabilities
- e.g., Down syndrome; learning, intellectual, or developmental disabilities; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); cerebral palsy; congenital disabilities; spinal cord injuries
Mental health disorders
- mood disorders, e.g., depression
- schizophrenia spectrum disorders
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
Guidance on COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026*
STRONG recommendation
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE ≥1 DOSE OF COVID-19 VACCINE
Previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease, including:
Those aged ≥6 months who:
DISCRETIONARY recommendation
WHO MAY RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINE
All other previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals (aged ≥6 months) who are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure or severe COVID-19 disease
Understanding the difference between “strong” and “discretionary” recommendations
STRONG – should be offered
- Recommendation applies to most populations/individuals
- Known/anticipated advantages outweigh known/anticipated disadvantages
- Should be followed unless a clear and compelling rationale for an alternative approach is present
DISCRETIONARY – may be offered
- Recommendation may be considered for some populations/individuals in some circumstances
- Known/anticipated advantages are closely balanced with known/anticipated disadvantages
- Alternative approaches may be reasonable
Vaccination timing & considerations
- For previously vaccinated individuals, the minimum interval between COVID-19 doses is 3 months
- When deciding on the best time to get vaccinated, individuals may consider factors such as:
- time since their last dose
- test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection
- local virus circulation
- personal circumstances (e.g., travel, major medical procedures, large gatherings)
Click here to read the full NACI Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026.
* Provincial guidelines may vary. Refer to your provincial guidance for eligibility for publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine.
† There is limited evidence on clinical risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease in pediatric populations. Children at increased risk for severe outcomes may include children who are medically fragile/have medical complexities, children with more than one comorbidity, children with neurological disorders, children with chronic lung disease, and children with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), and other immunocompromising conditions.
‡ Autonomous decisions should be made by Indigenous Peoples with the support of healthcare and public health partners in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine covered in my province?
To view the 2025/26 eligibility criteria for your area, please select from the list of provinces and territories.
Select an area
Eligibility Summary
Select a province to see eligibility criteria
Spikevax is now available – find a vaccination site near you
Spikevax® is a vaccine used to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be given to people aged 6 months and older. Search to find a vaccination site near you or talk to your healthcare provider.
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Get in touch with questions or for any information you may need.
Safety information
Spikevax® is a vaccine used to prevent COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be given to people aged 6 months and older.
The safety and effectiveness of Spikevax mRNA vaccine for individuals 6 months of age and older are inferred from studies of a primary series and booster dose, as well as data from studies which evaluated the primary series and booster vaccination with Spikevax.
As with any vaccine, Spikevax may not fully protect all those who receive it. Even after you have had the vaccine, continue to follow the recommendations of local public health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The most common of very common side effects of Spikevax are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle ache and stiffness, chills, fever, swelling or redness at the injection site, decreased appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, enlarged lymph nodes, hypoesthesia (decreased sense of touch or sensation, numbness) and dizziness. Allergic reactions may also occur.
Vaccination may not be suitable for everyone, so ask your healthcare professional is Spikevax is right for you. Full product information can be found at spikevax.com/pmi. To report an adverse event, please call 1-866-MODERNA (1-866-663-3762).