As of September 26, 2022, individuals 18 years and over can receive the bivalent COVID-19 booster six months from their last COVID-19 dose. You can receive a dose at a minimum interval of three months with informed consent.

For those who have had a previous COVID-19 infection, the recommendation is to wait at least three months before receiving the bivalent booster.

For more information, please see the Ontario government news release.

To book a vaccination

• COVID-19 provincial booking portal
• Participating pharmacy, including the NYGH Outpatient Pharmacy
• City of Toronto mass immunization clinic

Seniors in the North York area who require assistance getting their vaccination appointment can contact the Seniors’ Hotline for North York at 416-447-5200.

For more details, please see the City of Toronto website.

See the latest information about the Omicron variant on the Public Health Ontario website.

While Omicron has shown to be mild in those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it can lead to severe illness and death among unvaccinated individuals or those who are immunocompromised. There is also high community spread which means it is much easier to become infected and spread the virus. More widespread transmission also means a higher number of hospitalizations across Ontario. It is recommended everyone get three doses of the vaccine to protect against Omicron.

The evidence is becoming clear - three doses is much more effective than two doses against Omicron. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive their third doses if eligible.

More information about the Omicron variant can be found on the Public Health Ontario website.

The North York Family Health Team is currently accepting online bookings for children aged 5-11 years. Book here.

Vaccines for 5-11 year olds are also available at:

• participating community clinics in North York
• participating pharmacies
• City of Toronto Mass Immunization Clinics, other fixed-site clinics, school-based clinics and primary care offices. Visit the COVID-19: Children & Vaccines website for more information.

Appointments can also be booked through a variety of channels including the COVID-19 provincial booking portal.

As of July 28, 2022, children 6 months to 5-years-olds are eligible to receive the approved pediatric vaccine.

Parents/guardians can book appointments at select city-run clinics, hospitals, pediatrician offices, and pharmacies.

For more details, please visit the City of Toronto’s Children and Vaccines website.

Health Canada has approved the pediatric Pfizer vaccine as safe and effective for 5 to 11 year olds. The vaccine meets quality standards, and the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks of COVID-19 infection. Health Canada continues to monitor for safety.

Visit the City of Toronto COVID-19: Children & Vaccines website section on vaccine safety for more information.

Common COVID-19 vaccine side effects in children are similar to those seen in adults. Side effects are usually mild and go away within 1-3 days. They include:

• Sore arm near the injection site
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Achy muscles or joints
• Fever and chills

Visit the City of Toronto COVID-19: Children & Vaccines website section on vaccine safety for more information.

There are many resources and supports available to help you talk to your child in an age- appropriate way about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines.

See our list of COVID-19 resources for parents and guardians.

Also visit the City of Toronto COVID-19: Children & Vaccines for more information on talking to your child about getting the vaccine.

Hand holding is a very effective way of comforting your child while getting their vaccine. You can also have them sit on your lap where you can hug them while firmly holding their arms down. If the child is younger they may also have them sit on your lap facing tummy to tummy.

See our videos on how to manage needle pain and phobia with your child.

• Adults aged 18 years and older are eligible for 3rd and 4th doses. At least three months must have passed since the previous dose to be eligible for the 3rd dose, and five months must have passed to be eligible for the 4th dose for most people.  
• 3rd doses are also available for youth ages 12-17 years. Six months must have passed since the 2nd dose. Individuals must be 12 years old at the time of receiving the 3rd dose.

See the City of Toronto COVID-19: Vaccines website section on third doses for more information.

You can access a booster (third or fourth) dose through the following:

• Book online at the North York Family Health Team by calling 647-670-2888
• Book or walk in at a community clinic in North York
• Book at a City of Toronto mass immunization clinic
• Book at a participating pharmacy
• Appointments can also be booked through a variety of channels including the COVID-19 provincial booking portal.

Seniors in the North York area who require assistance getting their vaccination appointment can contact the Seniors’ Hotline for North York at 416-447-5200.

Visit the City of Toronto’s vaccination website for more information.

Either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines may be used as a booster dose, regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine was used for the first or second dose.

Please see the City of Toronto’s vaccine website for information.

Anyone who is 18 and over can schedule a booster dose vaccine appointment at least five months (104 days) after their last dose. A third dose provides an extra layer of protection against COVID-19.

A recent infection will give you some natural immunity for a period of time (months) so it’s best to wait at least one month after your infection before booking your next vaccine appointment. If you had two doses of the vaccine before becoming infected you are at higher risk of becoming reinfected if you do not have a third dose.

Vaccination clinics supported by NYGH are administering Pfizer and Moderna.

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been rigorously evaluated. Vaccination, together with continued vigilance including wearing masks is our best hope to prevent people from getting ill, hospitalized, and potentially dying from COVID-19.

Read more about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Most people don’t experience any side effects at all. As with any vaccine, some people (less than 10%) will experience mild to moderate symptoms such as pain from the injection, fatigue and headache. These are expected and should resolve in a few days. In very rare cases, allergic reactions can occur, but these are usually temporary and can be treated. 

No. The vaccine is free of charge.

Pregnant people are encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible. It is safe during any stage of pregnancy.  Please speak with your family physician or specialist before getting vaccinated. To help educate our community about the safety of the COVID vaccine during pregnancy, see our related FAQ page and the below video:

Fully vaccinated people generally have more mild symptoms so it’s important not to ignore mild sniffles, stuffy nose or sore throat. COVID-19 can manifest as mild and more like the common cold among vaccinated people.

No. Spike protein generated by the vaccine only lasts a few days, much like other proteins made by your body. Our immune system quickly identifies, attacks and destroys the spike proteins because it recognizes them as not part of you. Once the immune system recognizes this protein, it will protect against the COVID-19 virus too.

There is high community spread of COVID-19 which means the virus is spreading widely in the community, even where essential tasks are performed. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can lower your risk of getting and spreading the virus and will protect you and others to prevent serious illness and death. Vaccination combined with other public health measures, such as masking, is the most effective way to reduce the risk of transmission.

Please see the City of Toronto website for a comprehensive overview of current eligibility.

Yes. Individuals without a photo OHIP card may bring another form of a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, a piece of registered mail, pay stub, student card, government issued identification from other jurisdictions including: foreign passports, other provincial or territorial health cards, or driver’s license. Expired government issued identity documents will also be accepted for this purpose.

Should a person have no identity documentation or photo documentation they may work with their public health unit and/or community organizations to verify their identity. This may be provided in the form of a letter from a community organization or other identity verification form.

See here for where to find COVID-19 vaccine clinics in North York.

Also visit the City of Toronto vaccination website or Ontario vaccination website to learn about other locations.  

If you are a senior in the North York area and require assistance getting to your vaccination appointment, contact the Seniors’ Hotline for North York at 416-447- 5200.

On the day of your vaccination, please bring with you:

• Your health card or piece of identification 

Also, please wear a short-sleeved shirt.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment, and no earlier.                                                                                 

When you arrive, you'll be asked a series of screening questions, and to show your health card, and another government-issued piece of photo ID.

After you have passed the screening process, you will be asked to check in and consent to the vaccination. You will then receive your vaccination and wait 15 minutes following vaccination as per guidelines.                                                                         

After the 15-minute wait, you can check out. Before you leave, you will be given an information sheet with appointment details for your second dose.              

It is essential that you be on time. We do not want to waste any doses if people miss their time slots.

If you need assistance please speak with your family doctor or primary care provider, or a local community agency that provides transportation support. The North York Seniors Support Line at (416) 447-5200 can also assist you with transportation to appointments and other supports to help you receive a vaccination.

Yes.

Yes. Please see the NYGH COVID-19 vaccination page for a list of walk-in clinics in North York.  

As of April 11, the Ontario Government has made changes to who is eligible for a COVID-19 test (see here).

You can book a COVID-19 PCR test if you are a high-risk individual who is symptomatic and/or who is at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes workers and residents in the highest risk settings, as well as vulnerable populations.

People with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing. Please click here for more information.

The clinic is located at NYGH’s Branson (Finch) site at 555 Finch Ave. W. (West entrance).
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

*North York General is offering testing by appointment only. Please only book an appointment for a COVID-19 test if you meet one of the required criteria. 

Book your test online or call 416-635-2509 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your appointment over the phone.

In order to protect patients and frontline health care providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic only patients who have a confirmed appointment are allowed inside the hospital. We understand how upsetting this may be, but it is necessary to keep your loved ones safe.

If you require special assistance, please contact your physician’s office and request to have one support person accompany you. This request will only be granted for patients who require assistance. You and your support person will need to show photo identification (i.e. driver’s license). 

Yes. The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic is by appointment only. Please book your appointment online or by calling 416-635-2509 (daily from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m.). There are often same-day appointments available at the clinic for those looking for the first available appointment.

People with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing. Please click here for more information.

Yes, please bring your health card to your appointment at the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic.

When you arrive for your appointment, you will be seen by a nurse who will provide an initial assessment and offer a COVID PCR test (nasopharyngeal swab) if appropriate. Upon request and/or if you meet certain criteria, you may be assessed by a physician at the clinic who may examine you and provide a prescription if deemed necessary. You may receive recommendations about following up with your family doctor for re-assessment and/or further testing or, you may be redirected to the emergency department.  

No. The Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic does not conduct medical imaging exams (including X-ray, ultrasound or other tests) or bloodwork. If further testing is required, you will be redirected to your family doctor or the emergency department.

North York General has expanded its services at the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic (formerly the Branson COVID Assessment Centre at our NYGH Finch site) to provide assessment and testing for eligible people for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses only. Patients may be seen by a doctor who may check ears, throat and lungs, and, if necessary, provide a prescription.

In accordance with Ontario’s updated COVID-19 PCR testing criteria, as of April 11 the North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic will only provide COVID-19 testing to eligible groups (see a full list here). People with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing.

The North York Cough, Cold and COVID Test Clinic does not administer tests for international travel. See our COVID Testing page for more information.

Those in need of urgent or emergency care should not come to the Test Clinic. Please call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest emergency department if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• New disorientation, confusion, or decrease in level of consciousness
• Chest pain/pressure
• Continuous vomiting and/or dehydration

People with mild symptoms are asked not to seek testing.

Please note other care services previously offered at the NYGH Finch site have moved. There is no access to an urgent care centre, emergency services, lab, or diagnostic imaging at this location.

See our COVID Testing page for more information.

Most results are available within 24 to 48 hours but may take longer in some cases.

Visitors, families and caregivers are an important part of our community. Please see our Visitor Information page for the latest guidelines and processes in place at North York General sites.