BC Vaccine Card increases confidence, keeps businesses open, makes events safer (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

Ministry of Health

Communications
250 952-1887 (media line)

Backgrounders

How it works
Updated Sept. 13, 2021, for clarification
  • 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)
  • The BC Vaccine Card can be saved to a mobile device or printed and will include a secure individualized QR code.
  • There is now an improved option for saving the BC Vaccine Card onto a phone. Those details will be available at: gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard
  • Individuals who cannot 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.
  • Businesses can now download a reader app (BC Vaccine Card Verifier App) from the Google and Apple app stores, to securely read the QR code to determine a person’s proof of vaccination. No personal information will be retained in the app.
  • Businesses and event operators will be provided with a suite of communications tools, including posters, a question-and-answer document, and a list of approved proofs of vaccination from other jurisdictions to guide them on how to check a vaccine card. 
  • As of Sept. 13, 2021, people in British Columbia will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing partial vaccination (dose 1) to access certain businesses and events.
  • As of Oct. 24, 2021, people in British Columbia will be required to present their BC Vaccine Card showing they are fully vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine to access the same list of businesses and events.
  • The use of the BC Vaccine Card will be phased in to allow people extra time to transition to their new cards.
    • From Sept. 13, 2021, to Sept. 26, 2021, people will also be able to use the vaccination records they received at B.C. vaccine clinics or pharmacies as valid proof of vaccination.
    • Starting Sept.  27, 2021, only the B.C. Vaccine Card will be accepted for people vaccinated in B.C.
  • In areas where community transmission is increased significantly or where there are outbreaks, the requirements to be fully vaccinated to access these events and activities may be required earlier at the direction of the local medical health officer.
  • A full list of settings where proof of vaccination will be required is available here:
    • indoor ticketed sporting events
    • indoor concerts, theatre, dance and symphony events
    • licensed restaurants, and those that offer table service (indoor and outdoor dining)
    • pubs, bars and lounges (indoor and outdoor dining)
    • night clubs, casinos, movie theatres
    • fitness centres/gyms/adult sports (indoor)
    • indoor group exercise activities
    • organized indoor events with 50 or more people (e.g., wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences, workshops)
    • discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
  • Individuals will show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the orders of the provincial health officer (PHO), alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People aged 12 to 18 do not need to show identification.
  • Starting next week there will be a process for people who have changed their name since being vaccinated. People can visit: immunizationrecord.gov.bc.ca and follow the instructions to submit a Certificate of Name Change or Marriage and new photo ID so their new name is reflected on their BC Vaccine Card.
  • 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 show the record of vaccination from their country and their passport.
  • Tickets can be issued to individuals, owners/operators of locations and event organizers for violations of the PHO orders. Enforcement is at the discretion of enforcement officers, including police, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gambling investigators and conservation officers. 
  • The requirement will be time limited through to Jan. 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.
How to get vaccinated and stay safe from COVID-19

To get the most effective protection against serious cases of COVID-19, you need two doses of vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated yet, or it is time for your second dose (at least 28 days since your first dose), book or visit a drop-in clinic and get protected from COVID-19.

You can register and book an appointment here: www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

Search by community to find a drop-in clinic near you. Clinics are organized by each health authority:

Visit your local health authority website for more information on clinic hours and locations: