COVID-19

Proof of vaccination and the BC Vaccine CarD

As of September 13th, all individuals 12 and up will be required to show proof of vaccination for entry into certain social settings. Full details on the program can be found here.

WILL HOTELS, RESORTS, INNS, MOTELS, BNBs AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION BE IMPACTED?
Hotels are an essential service, and do not require proof of vaccination in order for a guest to check-in. However, there are certain settings and facilities within an accommodation that may still require proof of vaccination. In addition, businesses are free to implement their own proof of vaccination mandate should they wish.

SETTINGS WHERE PROOF OF VACCINATION IS REQUIRED & AREAS WHERE THEY ARE NOT:

Where proof of vaccination IS required
- Indoor ticketed sporting events
- Indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events
- Licensed restaurants and restaurants that offer table service (indoor and patio dining
- Pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and patio dining)
- Nightclubs, casinos and movie theatres
- Gyms, exercise facilities/studios, pools and recreation facilities
- Businesses offering indoor group exercise
- Indoor adult group and team sports for people 22 years old or older
- Indoor organized events with 50 or more people. For example: Wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art and choir
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
Where proof of vaccination is NOT required within hotels:
- In hotel breakfast rooms, food courts, fast foot restaurants, cafeterias, drive-through and grab and go establishments are not included in this
- For any event, conference, wedding, workshop etc. under 50 people
- In hotel pools, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, fitness rooms, hot springs

TIMELINE & PROCESS

TIMELINE:
By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of vaccination is required to access some events, services and businesses. Key dates:

September 13th
Individuals must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to gain entry into identified events, services and businesses and be able to show government approved proof of vaccination.
From September 13th - September 26th
The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards. From September 13-26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at BC vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination. A full list is outlined here. Starting September 27, 2021, only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in BC.
October 24th
Individuals must be fully vaccinated (having received your second dose at least 7 days prior) to gain entry into identified events, services and businesses.
January 31st, 2022
The requirement is in place until this time and could be extended.

THE PROCESS:

Step 1: Getting the BC Vaccine Card. Individuals who have received their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in B.C. can access their BC Vaccine Card by visiting gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard
- To access their proof of vaccination, they will enter their:
- personal health number
- date of birth
- date of vaccination (either Dose 1 or Dose 2)
Step 2: Save or Print.
- The BC Vaccine Card can be saved to a mobile device or printed and will include a secure individualized QR code.
- Individuals who can’t access the electronic BC Vaccine Card can ask a friend, family member or support person to print their BC Vaccine Card for them, visit a Service BC office, or call 1 833 838-2323 to receive a copy in the mail.
Step 3: Showing and Checking the Card
- Businesses have two options for checking vaccination:
  - OPTION ONE:
    - Download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier app, which will be available next week and can be downloaded from any google or app store on a smartphone device. The business can scan the guests QR code and verify vaccination status through the app. No information will be stored. When scanning the paper or digital QR code, green means vaccinated, blue means partially vaccinated, and no record found means unvaccinated. An ID check is also required at this time.
  - OPTION TWO:
    - Verify the proof of vaccination visually through digital or paper copy, looking to confirm it is the person by also checking government issued photo ID.
    - Individuals must show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the PHO orders, alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.
Out of Province Visitors:
- Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territorially recognized official record alongside valid government photo ID.
For individuals visiting from outside of Canada, they will be required to show the record of vaccination they use to enter Canada and their passport.