Nuvaxovid in Canada: How to Access the COVID-19 Vaccine
Nuvaxovid in Canada: How to Access the COVID-19 Vaccine
Written by: Jeff Gilchrist
Last updated: Oct. 15, 2026
Information about accessing Nuvaxovid, a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, in Canada may be helpful for individuals exploring their vaccination options. In this guest-contributed resource, Jeff Gilchrist shares information for patients and pharmacists about vaccine availability, ordering processes, and additional resources.
Nuvaxovid is a protein-based COVID vaccine approved for ages 12 and older and is back in Canada after 2 years now that Sanofi Canada took ownership of the vaccine.
It will be available in both the private vaccine market for a cost and in some Canadian jurisdictions free as part of the public vaccination program. In most cases the vaccine will be acquired by and given in pharmacies.
The vaccine comes in a package of 10 doses so if you are interested in getting the vaccine privately you may need to find a group of people, so the pharmacy is willing to make the minimum order.
Some pharmacists may have never heard of Nuvaxovid before so you might need to provide them with the following information to help them order doses for you.
Sanofi Canada provided the following guidance on how pharmacies can order Nuvaxovid:
Private Market Channels (for Provinces/Territories with Limited Public Funding)
In provinces or territories where public funding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines is more limited (e.g., Alberta or Quebec), pharmacies may have two options:
For eligible patients
Pharmacy requests Nuvaxovid through their distributor (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart or McKesson) using the exceptional order process.
For non-eligible patients
Pharmacy procures through private market channels via their authorized wholesaler or by contacting Sanofi Customer Service directly:
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Phone: 1-833-616-4448
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Email: [email protected]
Publicly Funded Program – Ontario
Ontario expects to begin distributing Nuvaxovid to pharmacies during the week of October 26; however, this marks the start of distribution and does not guarantee immediate or widespread availability across all pharmacy locations.
Pharmacies may request Nuvaxovid through the exceptional order process with their authorized public program distributors (e.g., Shoppers Drug Mart or McKesson) and include a rationale for their request.
Sanofi recommends that pharmacies consult the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Program webpage and contact their local Public Health Unit for the most accurate and up-to-date implementation information.
Pharmacies with specific questions regarding ordering, delivery, and COVID-19 vaccine supply should contact: [email protected]
Are you a pharmacy with a question about the Publicly Funded Vaccine Programs in Ontario? See Ontario pharmacy inquiries flowchart.
Guidance for Patients Seeking a Non-mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine
Patients interested in receiving Nuvaxovid should:
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Contact pharmacies in advance to confirm availability.
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Ask whether Nuvaxovid can be ordered if it is not currently in stock.
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Schedule an appointment where possible rather than relying on walk-in availability.
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Check with local public health resources for additional information on vaccine access in their area.
Disclaimer: Vaccine allocation, ordering, and distribution decisions are determined by the Ontario Ministry of Health and may evolve over time. Sanofi does not have direct visibility into provincial inventory allocation or site-level distribution decisions.
Still COVIDing Canada is maintaining information about COVID vaccines in various provinces and territories in Canada including which ones are offering Nuvaxovid in the public program here.
If Nuvaxovid is not available in a public vaccine program in your area, you can try using the Still COVIDing Canada Nuvaxovid now! tool to help voice your support for access with public officials.
What is the #Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine and how is it different?
Paul Seaman and I have put together a comprehensive document summarizing the available information regarding the main differences between Nuvaxovid and the more common mRNA based #COVID vaccines.
In providing this summary of available information regarding Nuvaxovid, we are not working for Sanofi or Novavax, posting on their behalf, or receiving compensation for this posting or for sales or marketing of the Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine.
This document was compiled to provide interested individuals with available information to consider. It is not intended as advice, and you should always consult with your medical professional for specific advice regarding your specific situation and options.
The link to the “What is the Nuvaxovid COVID vaccine and how is it different” Google Docs document which contains the full content of all 7 sections is available here.
A Note from Lupus Canada
This article was contributed by Jeff Gilchrist for informational purposes. The information reflects the author’s research and the guidance available as of October 15, 2026. Vaccine availability, eligibility, and distribution processes may change.
Lupus Canada encourages individuals to consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding vaccination options appropriate for their individual health needs. The information provided does not replace professional medical advice.