Grace period for B.C. Vaccine Card is now over

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Anyone entering certain non-essential settings such as restaurants and movie theatres will now have to show the official B.C. Vaccine card along with their ID.

The transition period was in place until Sept. 26, allowing people to show their immunization records instead of the official card if they chose to do so.

From Monday until at least January, the official B.C. Vaccine Card will be the only accepted proof of immunization for residents of B.C.

People from other Canadian provinces or territories must show a recognized vaccine record and valid government photo ID. International visitors must show proof of vaccination they used to enter Canada, like the ArriveCan website, as well as a valid passport.

Currently, only one dose is required to get into indoor ticketed sporting events, gyms, nightclubs, pubs, weddings, and workshops.

See the full list of places where you do and don’t need to show your card.

By Oct. 24, you must be fully vaccinated to access some events, services, and businesses.

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How to get your card:

• Go to government’s website. The website will ask users to enter their personal health number, date of birth and date of vaccine.
• If you’re fully vaccinated, enter the date of your second dose.
• If you’ve only received one vaccine, enter the date of your first dose.
• You will then get an image with a QR code, your name, as well as the status of your vaccination.
• For those who find using a phone easier, be sure to take a screen grab or screenshot of the vaccine card and save it in a place that is easy to access.
• Another option is to call the Provincial Vaccine Line at 1-833-838-2323 to get your printed card mailed to you.
• A piece of government issued ID is also required to be shown along with proof of immunization.
• Read more: Tips and tricks to get the card

In-person help

In addition to obtaining your card online or through the phone number, many libraries are also offering help for those who may need it.

Among them, the Vancouver Island Regional Library, which is offering to print the card for free.

A printed copy of the QR code will be accepted in place of showing the card on a phone, despite some misconceptions that only those who have a smartphone can obtain the card.

If you would like a hardcopy of your proof of vaccination, you can print it for FREE at any VIRL branch.

????Find your proof of vaccine card at: https://t.co/XBBuqFPdkA#VIRL #vaccinecard pic.twitter.com/PjS1cnhIEC

— VI_Library (@VI_Library) September 21, 2021

For those who are unable to get to a library, go online, or call – the province is welcoming in-person visits at any of its 64 Service BC Centres to obtain the card.

Compliance and enforcement action

Any event organizer, or business owner found to be in violation to the new vaccine card could face a $2,300 fine. Individuals could see $230 or $575, depending on the violation.

Violation tickets of the “Gatherings and Events Food and Liquor Serving Premises” orders can be issued by: police officers, community safety unit, liquor and cannabis inspectors, gaming investigators, or conservation officers.

Since the card was brought in on Sept. 13 the province has not said how many tickets have been issued against anyone violating the new rules, but many in the industry say they have heard of a quiet crackdown.

An estimated 50-60 restaurants appear to be refusing to check for proof of immunization.

With files from Monika Gul