Covid Vaccination

All You Need to Know ...

Who can receive a vaccine

How to book an appointment

Form for receiving

the vaccine

Risks & Side Effects

Pharmalife Pharmacy has been selected by their provincial government to deliver COVID-19 immunizations to eligible individuals as per their province vaccine rollout phases.

Our certified injection pharmacists will administer the vaccine safely and effectively to people who are eligible as determined by the governments.

Who will receive the vaccine?

The Government of Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides advice to the Public Health Agency of Canada on priority of COVID-19 vaccination for population groups.

With this advice, provinces and territories have developed detailed COVID-19 immunization rollout plans for their residents including which population will receive the vaccine first.

For BC Immunization Plan including the immunization phases, vaccine choices, registration and more please visit here:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/plan

AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is now available for individuals age 55 to 65 at Pharmalife Pharmacy.

The supply is very limited and we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist if you can not book an appointment.

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To book your appointment, please call the pharmacy at 778-340-1800

Here

If you already have an appointment, please fill the form and bring it with you to the pharmacy

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About the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

How it works

Viral vector-based vaccines use a harmless virus, such as an adenovirus, as a delivery system. This “vector” virus is not the virus that causes COVID-19. Adenoviruses are among the viruses that can cause the common cold.

There are many different types of adenoviruses, and many have been used as delivery systems for other vector-based vaccines for decades.

When a person is given the vaccine, the vector virus contained within the vaccine produces the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

This protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. This protein will not make you sick. It does its job and goes away.

Through this process, the body is able to build a strong immune response against the spike protein without exposing you to the virus that causes COVID-19.

How it’s given

The vaccine is given by 2 separate injections of 0.5 mL each into the muscle of the arm.

For the vaccine to work best, you need to get 2 doses: a first dose and then a second dose 4 to 12 weeks later.

Immunity develops over time. It takes about 2 weeks to develop significant protection against COVID-19. For the greatest protection, you will need the second dose.

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine showed an effectiveness of about 62% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease beginning 2 weeks after the second dose.

This effectiveness rate is based on an analysis of results from participants who had received the 2 dose regimen that will be used in Canada.

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Possible side effects

In general, the side effects observed during the clinical trials are similar to what you might have with other vaccines.

The side effects that followed vaccine administration in clinical trials were mild or moderate. They included things like pain at the site of injection, body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish.

These are common side effects of vaccines and do not pose a risk to health.

As with all vaccines, there’s a chance that there will be a serious side effect, but these are rare. A serious side effect might be something like an allergic reaction. Speak with your health professional about any serious allergies or other health conditions you may have before you receive this vaccine.

Very rare side effects include serious blood clots and/or bleeding. These rare events have been reported in about 1 to 10 cases in 1,000,000 vaccinated people in several European countries. The symptoms start about 4 to 16 days following vaccination. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention in an emergency department immediately and bring your COVID-19 immunization record with you:

Severe headache that does not go away
Seizure
Difficulty moving part of your body
Blurry vision that does not go away
Difficulty speaking
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Severe abdominal pain
New severe swelling, pain, or colour change of an arm or a leg
Abnormal bruising, reddish or purple spots or blood blisters under the skin
Bleeding beyond the site of vaccination

When should I return for my second dose of vaccine?

The immunization provider will let you know when to return for your second dose. It is important to get both doses of the vaccine to protect you against COVID-19. Make an appointment or follow the instructions of the immunization provider to ensure you get the second dose at the right time.

Bring your immunization record with you when you return for your second dose. Tell the person giving the vaccine about any side effects you had after the first dose.

AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD COVID-19 Vaccine Aftercare

What should I do right after getting the vaccine?

Wait for at least 15 minutes in the clinic after getting your vaccine.

A longer wait time of 30 minutes may be recommended if there is concern about a possible allergy to the vaccine.

Although uncommon, fainting or allergic reactions can occur after getting the vaccine.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy), swelling of your face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing. Should this reaction occur the clinic staff are prepared to treat it.

Inform a health care provider at the clinic if you feel unwell while waiting.

Keep your mask on while waiting and stay at least 2 meters away from anyone that is not part of your household.

What should I expect in the next few days?

Common expected side effects within a day or two after getting the vaccine include the following:

Pain, redness, itchiness and swelling where the vaccine was given.

These types of local injection site reactions are a normal part of your body’s immune response to the vaccine and will resolve within a few days.

A cool, damp cloth or wrapped ice pack where the vaccine was given may help.

Other symptoms may include tiredness, headache, fever, chills, muscle or joint soreness, nausea and vomiting.

These side effects will go away on their own; however you may feel unwell for a day or two.

If you are unable to carry on with your regular activities because of these symptoms, you can take medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Check with your health care provider if you need advice about medication.

The vaccine is not a live virus vaccine, and cannot cause COVID-19.

Some of the side effects of the vaccine are similar to symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

However, side effects from the vaccine should only last a day or two and go away on their own.

As well, symptoms such as cough or other respiratory symptoms are not side effects of the vaccine and are more likely to be due to a respiratory infection like COVID-19.

To read more about AstraZeneca Vaccine, please click

Here