(Image credit: Province of B.C.)

By Pete McIntyre

on your phone or print-out

Website launched to get BC Vaccine Card

Sep 7, 2021 | 2:00 PM

The province has rolled out details of how people can get the BC Vaccine Card.

The card will allow vaccinated people to show their proof of vaccination at higher-risk social and recreational events and settings when new COVID-19 vaccine requirement rules take effect on Sept. 13, 2021.

As of that date, one dose of vaccine will be required to get into the specified settings such as restaurants, fitness centres and organized indoor events (see below for more details). By Oct. 24, 2021, entry to these settings will require people to be fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

“This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place. Getting vaccinated means we can bring people back together and do more, safely, and with confidence that we’re not putting those who aren’t fully vaccinated at risk,” said Premier John Horgan.

(image credit: Province of B.C)

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“We have made the BC Vaccine Card easy for people to get, and easy for businesses to check at a glance. The card is a significant step in getting our economy running on all cylinders, and returning to social events safely with the confidence that those around us are also fully vaccinated,” Horgan added.

(Image credit: Province of B.C.)

The vaccine card will only be required for sit-down service at restaurants, and does not include fast-food restaurants, coffee shops and cafeterias.

The card is not required at religious gatherings, schools, hospitals or any other essential service. Proof of vaccination is also not required through the provincial program at workplaces.

People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show an officially recognized vaccine record and a valid government photo ID.

(Image credit: Province of B.C.)

The BC Vaccine Card will include a secure, individualized QR code and image showing either vaccinated or partially vaccinated. Businesses can either scan the QR code using a QR reader like a smartphone or tablet or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. A mobile QR code reader app will be released in app stores closer to Sept. 13, 2021 for businesses that choose to scan the QR code.

“Getting vaccinated is the proven choice to protect ourselves and the people around us. The requirement for proof of vaccine will make our communities safer and also ensure that events and gatherings are safer for all of us,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer.

Businesses will be able to download the BC Vaccine Card verifier app at the Google and Apple app stores.

(Image credit: Province of B.C.)

People can get their BC Vaccine Card online at gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.

Once verified, a person will be able to save a digital copy to their mobile device or print a hard copy to present along with their government-issued photo identification when entering designated businesses and events.

People without access to a computer and printer can get their card by calling 1 833 838-2323 at the Get Vaccinated call centre and get their printed copy mailed to them. They can have a trusted friend, family member or support person print their card for them. Or they can visit a Service BC Centre to get one.

Businesses can find out more about their role in the process here.

The BC Vaccine Card is a show of confidence, said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.

“It says in our pandemic — when doing the right thing to stop the spread is the mandate we all share in — that we’re doing the right thing by being vaccinated. That we’re making the best choices. That right now, especially with a surge in cases primarily in groups of unvaccinated people, we’re doing exactly what’s required to save lives,” Dix said.