COVID-19 vaccines in federal corrections: Frequently asked questions for offenders

Updated June 2021

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) answers questions for offenders and their families about COVID-19 vaccines in federal corrections.

COVID-19 is an infection caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-2), which is passed from an infected person to others when the infected person:

• coughs
• sneezes
• sings
• talks, or
• breathes

It is important to note that infected people can spread COVID-19 even if they have no symptoms. In fact, they might not be aware they are spreading the virus.

While many people with COVID-19 experience only mild illness or have no symptoms, others may get really sick. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you.

• Why should I get the vaccine?

  Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread and reduce the impact of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine will protect you from getting sick with COVID-19. Some people can get very ill from COVID-19 and may need hospital care. There also have been many people across the world who have died from COVID-19.

  COVID-19 vaccination helps protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience the illness of COVID-19.

• Is the vaccine safe?

  The vaccine has been tested for safety and approved by Health Canada. The vaccine is safe for people with health conditions, such as:

  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease, and

  • asthma (respiratory disease)>

  People with a weak immune system due to an illness or medications should speak to their health care provider about getting the vaccine.

• How does the vaccine work?

  The vaccine tells our body to make antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies protect us from getting sick if we are exposed to COVID-19. Even if you still get infected with COVID-19 after you are vaccinated, the vaccine will prevent you from getting very sick.

  The vaccine does not have the COVID-19 virus, so you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

• What vaccine will CSC be offering and how effective is the vaccine?

  CSC is offering the Moderna vaccine to offenders in institutions and community correctional centres (CCCs) who have not already been vaccinated. You are strongly encouraged to accept the vaccine when it is offered to you. This vaccine has been approved for use in Canada and is being used across Canada and around the world.

• How long will a vaccine protect people?

  It is too soon to know how long protection from a vaccine will last.

  Studies have shown protection from COVID-19 for up to four months after getting the vaccine. There continues to be research on this topic and CSC will provide more information as it becomes available.

• Does the Moderna vaccine work against the new COVID-19 variants?

  The Moderna vaccine was originally studied before the variants were known. Research continues to determine how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are against the new COVID-19 variants. CSC will continue to monitor the evidence and follow recommendations from public health officials, as it becomes available.

• How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are required?

  Building up immunity takes time. One dose of vaccine may not be enough to provide protection. Two doses are required for the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is given as a needle in the upper arm.

• If I was positive with COVID-19 and it was resolved, do I need the vaccine?

  Yes. Protection from getting COVID-19 without the vaccine may not last long. It is possible for someone who was positive to get COVID-19 again. The vaccine can help offer you protection against getting COVID-19 a second time and getting sick as a result.

• Are there any side effects to the Moderna vaccine?

  You may have some side effects after receiving the vaccine, which may be normal signs that your body is building protection. The vaccine can cause pain or redness at the injection site as well as:

  • headache
  • fever, and

  • muscle aches

  Most side effects will go away in a few days. Please reach out to health care to discuss any reactions you experience after you get vaccinated.

  Severe allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare but could happen. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

  • hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy)
  • swelling of your:
    • face
    • tongue, or
    • throat, or

  • difficulty breathing

  Your health care team members are prepared to manage an allergic reaction. Let them know immediately if you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction or other concerning symptoms after receiving the vaccine. Severe allergic reactions most often occur within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccine. Therefore, it is very important that you remain in the observation area for 15 minutes after getting your vaccination so that if anything occurs, health care staff is there to help you right away.

• Who should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

  If you have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms, wait until you are feeling better before being vaccinated. Talk with a member of your health care team about your symptoms and getting a COVID-19 test. They will advise you when it is suitable for you to receive the vaccine.

  COVID-19 vaccines should also not be given at the same time as other vaccines. If you have just received another vaccine, talk to a health care staff about waiting 14 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

  Speak with your health care team about getting the vaccine if you:

  • are pregnant, could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
  • have an auto-immune condition or weakened immunity from illness or treatment
  • have a history of severe allergies to any vaccine ingredients (see health care for a full list), or
  • have had a serious or allergic reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

• Will I still need to follow COVID-19 precautions after getting the vaccine?

  It is important that you continue to follow instructions from CSC staff to limit the spread of COVID-19.

  It takes a few weeks after vaccination for your body to build up antibodies to protect you from the virus. Getting your second dose is very important to build enough immunity to prevent COVID-19 symptoms.

  We also need to wait until a large percentage of people are vaccinated to get herd immunity (or population immunity). This is when the virus is no longer able to be move from person to person, as it cannot find people who are not vaccinated to spread the virus. Herd immunity is very important as it protects people who cannot get the vaccine for medical or other reasons and are at risk of getting the virus.

  After getting the vaccine, continue to:

  • wear your mask
  • maintain a physical distance of two meters from others, and

  • wash/sanitize your hands often

  For more information about COVID-19 and the vaccine, see a member of your health care team.

• Will CSC vaccinate staff as well?

  CSC has also been offering the vaccine to employees who:

  1. work in institutions and CCCs, and
  2. have not yet had a chance to be vaccinated by the province