Covid-19 Information

Provincial health authorities determine dosing intervals with guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI).

It is recommended to get each offered booster dose on time to gain the full effectiveness of protection from COVID-19 infection.

All vaccinations approved for use in Canada have been reviewed by Health Canada using strict safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. After approved, health authorities continue to closely monitor vaccines to ensure their safe use.

Side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations are like other vaccines and may include injection site symptoms (redness, soreness, swelling) or general symptoms (chills, fatigue, joint pain, headache, mild fever, muscle aches). Any severe or unexpected side effects should be assessed by a health professional.

COVID-19 vaccines are available for free for everyone. If you are visiting from out of province or another country you may need to contact public health to register and book an appointment.

Provincial health authorities determine recommendations for mask and social distancing rules depending on current levels of risk in the community. No vaccine is 100% effective at preventing infection but they do reduce the risk of severe infection.

General guidance to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses include:

• Stay at home when you’re sick
• Wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings (especially if you or others around you are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes, if you are visiting a group living setting, or if you are in a crowded or poorly ventilated setting
• Improve indoor ventilation by opening windows or doors even a few minutes at a time
• Practice respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene. Sneeze/cough into a tissue or bend of your arm and clean hands immediately afterwards. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces and objects often to remove/inactivate any virus present

For more information visit COVID-19: Prevention and risks - Canada.ca

Yes, all London Drugs locations are distributing free government-issued COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests in accordance with provincial guidelines, while supplies last. Contact your local London Drugs to enquire about availability.

London Drugs pharmacies across Canada are distributing free take-home government-issued COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits that are suitable for home use. Availability may vary.

London Drugs is no longer offering certified Asymptomatic COVID-19 PCR tests or Rapid Antigen Tests due to decreased demand. Please contact your provincial public health authority for certified testing information if required.

COVID-19 testing requirements prior to travel are changing. Check with your travel provider or government agencies in the countries you are going to be visiting.

For current international COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements, view the entry/exit requirements tab for your destination at Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca or IATA - Destination Tracker

Our in-store asymptomatic COVID-19 testing service in select locations in Alberta and BC allows you to book a specific appointment date to ensure you get your results when you need them. A fee applies to this service. Visit londondrugs.com/covid19 for more information.