The COVID-19 vaccines are safely and effectively protecting billions of people around the world against infection, serious illness and death. There is also evidence that two doses of the vaccine, especially the mRNA vaccines, will continue to give protection against serious illness caused by the Omicron variant. Recent research is showing that to further improve protection against serious illness and death caused by the Omicron variant, a booster dose of the vaccine is very important.

In Canada and in most jurisdictions where Teck operates, your booster will likely be an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), regardless of what you received for your first and second doses. ‘Mixing and matching’ of vaccines is safe and, in fact, some studies indicate this approach may provide even better immunity.

Millions of third doses (boosters) have been administered around the world, safely providing improved immunity against COVID-19. People may experience the same short-lived side effects similar to those they experienced following their first two doses, such as a sore arm, headache, low fever or sore muscles. These symptoms typically subside in 1-3 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain and symptom-relieving medication.

Advice on the ideal time to get your booster following COVID-19 infection varies; however, regardless of when you get your booster following infection, there is no safety concern. 

The most recent recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) is to wait 90 days from the start of your infection or positive test result, as this interval may result in a better immune response. At a minimum, you should wait until you have completed your required isolation period and your health has returned to normal. 

Of note, the recommended time between receiving your second dose of the vaccine and receiving your booster shot is six months.

Vaccination and immunization programs differ from province to province. The links below provide access to various provincial program info, including how to book an appointment for a booster shot.

• Alberta
• British Columbia 
• Ontario

Yes. The approved COVID-19 vaccines work extremely well. They lead to far fewer people getting sick and dramatically reduce the chances of dying from COVID-19. But we need to be vigilant and make sure more people continue to get vaccinated in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect ourselves, our loved ones and those who are most vulnerable.

Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines stimulate the body’s immune system, getting it ready to fight the COVID-19 virus. This way, if you are infected with the virus, your body can immediately keep you from getting sick.

Yes. There is very strong statistical evidence that the vaccines do work to offer protection against new variants of concern, especially once people are fully vaccinated.

As these vaccines are new, we currently do not know how long immunity from COVID-19 will last. Experts are continuing to monitor how long immunity lasts and how effective the vaccines are at addressing COVID-19 variants. What we do know is that the vaccines are working very well and the sooner we get most people vaccinated the sooner we can safely return to normal.

While having COVID-19 may give you some immunity for a limited time, you will still need to be vaccinated to be properly protected.

The goal of vaccines is not to prevent infection completely. Rather, the goal of the vaccines is to prevent serious symptoms that may put you at the risk of potentially life-threatening complications and death. They also help reduce the chance of you infecting other people if you are infected.

Vaccines are designed to help you fight the virus with minimal symptoms and complications should you get infected.

While a vaccine protects the person who gets vaccinated, they may still be able to give you COVID-19 if you are not vaccinated, putting you at risk of serious illness, long-term health problems and death.

No. The COVID-19 vaccines will not change your DNA. While you might have a sore arm or feel a bit unwell for a couple of days after getting vaccinated, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines. 

It is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Most side effects of the vaccine are short-lived and not severe: tenderness or mild soreness at the injection site, general muscle aches, headache or low fevers. These symptoms typically don’t last more than two days. Any over-the-counter pain and fever medications will help improve symptoms.

It is extremely rare to have a severe allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccines. Before getting vaccinated, you will be asked about key considerations, such as a history of allergic reactions. If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important that you speak to a medical professional.

There is no gluten, egg or antibiotics in the vaccine.

Yes. You will need to continue wearing a mask at work for now. While a vaccine protects the person who is vaccinated, that person may still be able to give COVID-19 to others who are not vaccinated. Right now, getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, your co-workers and your community. Getting vaccinated is a critical part of progressing to a post-pandemic world, where we no longer need to wear masks to protect us from COVID-19.  

Yes. Unfortunately, there are several variants now circulating, some of which are of concern. Variants of concern are more virulent and dangerous than the original COVID-19. They are making even young people, who did not exhibit strong symptoms with the original COVID-19, very sick, a lot faster. Young people can also develop ‘long haul COVID’, which are serious symptoms that can last for months or longer. 

There is no evidence vaccines affect fertility and COVID-19 vaccines have been deemed safe in pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated because infection with COVID-19 can be more serious for pregnant women. In women who are pregnant and vaccinated, evidence is showing that the vaccine not only protects the mother, but the baby as well. 

We strongly encourage you to be vaccinated to protect yourself, your loved ones and those who are most vulnerable. Getting vaccinated is a critical part of progressing to a post-pandemic world where we no longer need masks to protect us and where things like travel, getting together with our friends and families, and large celebrations and events will be possible again.

If you are looking for more information on COVID-19 vaccines, we recommend connecting with a medical professional. You can also visit the many trusted online sources of information, including official government websites and major public healthcare organizations, like hospitals and medical universities. 

Please note, responses reflect best available evidence at this point in time.

Online sources to consider:

Canada
Government of Canada – Vaccines for COVID-19
Province of B.C. – COVID-19 Immunization Plan
BC Centre for Disease Control
Province of Alberta – COVID-19 vaccine program

Chile
Government of Chile – National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Government of Chile – Step by Step, We Take Care of Ourselves
Government of Chile – Ministry of Health

U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
State of Alaska – COVID-19 Vaccine Status Update
State of Washington – COVID-19 Vaccine

International
World Health Organization – COVID-19 Vaccines