Beginning Monday September 13, BC residents will need to show proof of vaccination in order to enter certain venues and attend events.
The province will start the new requirement with only needing proof of at least one vaccine dose at this time. However as of October 24, proof of both doses will be needed.
From September 13 to 26, this proof can be in the form of the paper vaccination records received at vaccine clinics or pharmacies. After that point, you will need to show an official BC Vaccine Card. This could be shown in the form of a QR code via your smartphone or a printout copy.
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How To Get The Vaccine Card
- You will need to go to the BC Vaccine Card website.
- Click on “Get My Vaccine Card”
- Once there you will be put in a queue online (it will automatically lead you to the next steps once your turn is up).
- You will be required to enter in the following information:
- Date of birth
- Personal Health Number (PHN)
- Date of dose 1 and/or dose 2
- If you already have a Health Gateway account, log-in with your BC Services Card App, and go to Health Gateway, which should take you to the same spot.
- Once your QR code shows up, that is to be saved or printed.
- It’s recommended to save a digital copy to your phone (via a screenshot and save to your photo album or downloads folder).
- You can also print a card for yourself or someone else (such as a youth or a parent).
With this in hand, you will be able to have your QR code ready when entering any location that requires it.
Who Needs To Get This Card?
Everyone will be required to obtain this card if they want to enter certain facilities. Those who are under the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccine card as they are not yet eligible.
Anyone travelling from another province will need to show an acceptable out-of-province vaccine record. International travellers need to prove vaccination that they used to enter the country such as ArriveCAN app, along with their passport.
You will need to show proof of vaccination to enter most indoor facilities and events, including:
- indoor ticketed sporting events/concerts
- restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
- casinos
- movie theatres
- fitness centres / gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
- organized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)
- student housing on college and university campuses
- Find the complete list here.
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Non-essential services that you do not need to show a vaccine card include the following:
- Retail stores
- Takeout food counters or restaurant drive-thrus
- Libraries and museums
- Private gatherings
- Businesses offering personal care services, spas and saunas, massage therapy
- Ceremonies (weddings and funeral) and places of worship
- Driver education classes
- Dog training lessons
- Fishing and hunting activities
- Lodging
This requirement is currently in place until January 31, 2022 but could be extended.
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