Provincial health officials have outlined full details of the BC Vaccine Card, which will be required to be shown as proof of vaccination to access certain businesses, services, and events.
Those who reside in B.C. province can now get their BC Vaccine Card through the Government of BC website. When visiting businesses and services, people will be required to show proof of vaccination along with a piece of valid government-issued photo ID (for those aged 19 and up).
Those individuals who do not have access to a smartphone or a computer and printer can order a paper copy by phone (1-833-838-2323) or print a copy at a Service BC office.
Key Dates:
- Sept. 13: individuals must be partially vaccinated (one dose) to access the businesses, services, and events listed above.
- Sept. 27: only the BC Vaccine Card will be accepted as proof of vaccination for residents.
- Oct. 24: the requirement is that individuals are fully vaccinated (two doses).
Instructions for Businesses:
As of Sept. 13, applicable businesses and organizations (listed below) can verify vaccination status in one of two ways:
- By downloading the BC Vaccine Card verifier app to scan the BC Vaccine Card QR code
- By verifying the information visually (this form of verification will be required for visitors travelling to the province from elsewhere)
The BC Vaccine Card verifier app will allow businesses to scan the SMART Health Card QR code format being used for the card. The QR code will let businesses know if a person is partially or fully vaccinated. Violation tickets, which could include an associated fine, may be issued to those businesses and organizations that do not adhere to the PHO order.
Additional resources and guidance for businesses, including print-ready posters, are available on the Government of BC website.
Applicable Businesses:
As outlined on the Government of BC website, the following is the list of businesses, services, and events to which the proof of vaccination requirement will apply:
- 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 (e.g. wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops)
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities (e.g. pottery, art, and choir)
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing
People who have yet to receive their first or second vaccine can book an appointment or drop into one of Interior Health’s Immunization Clinics. Second doses can be administered 28 days after the first dose for residents of the Interior Health Region.
