vaccination card information for businesses

Starting Monday, September 13, 2021, British Columbians – and visitors to B.C – will need proof of vaccination to access some events, services, and businesses.  The Province of B.C. announced details on how businesses can check for proof of vaccination with the new BC Vaccine Card, a digital or printed document that shows the stage of the cardholder’s COVID-19 vaccine progress. This will help increase vaccinations, while protecting people in these settings, keeping businesses open and allowing events to take place. 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 can get their BC Vaccine Card online at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html. 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 or visit a Service BC Centre. The BC Vaccine Card will include a secure, individualized QR code and an 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 BC Vaccine Card Verifier App will be released in the Google and Apple app stores closer to September 13 for businesses that choose to scan the QR code.  This new requirement is being implemented through orders from the provincial health officer. Individuals will show proof of vaccination alongside one piece of government-issued photo identification for people 19+. People 12 to 18 years do not need to show identification.

Business Resources

Information for businesses, including step-by-step instructions can be found at  gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard-businesses.

The page includes requirement details, step by step guides, print-ready posters, and a BC Vaccine Card guide for businesses. Quick Links: BC Gov News Release – BC Vaccine Card Details BC Press Conference Recording – September 7BC Vaccine Card Slidedeck

To learn more about the vaccine card and how to access yours, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/vaccinecard.html

Places proof of vaccination is required for entry

• 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. For example: Wedding receptions, organized parties, conferences and workshops
• Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery, art and choir
• Post-secondary on-campus student housing

Examples of places that don’t require proof of vaccination

You don’t have to check proof of vaccination at places like:

• Grocery stores, liquor stores and pharmacies
• Unlicensed restaurants that don’t offer table service, like fast food, coffee shops and takeout
• Salons, hairdressers, barbers
• Hotels, resorts, cabins and campsites
  • Unless it is a setting or event covered by the PHO order. For example a licensed hotel restaurant, fitness centre, wedding reception or conference
• Banks and credit unions
• Retail and clothing stores
• Food banks and shelters
• Escape rooms, laser tag, indoor paint ball, arcades and bowling alleys (if they are unlicensed or don’t offer table service)
• Post-secondary on-campus cafeterias

You don’t have to check proof of vaccination at events like:

• Worship services
• Indoor youth recreational sport for people 19 years old or younger
• Before and after school programs for K to 12 students
• Student events and activities in K to 12 public and independent schools
• Indoor organized events with less than 50 people, except adult sports

Read about how to show proof of vaccination here.

For more information and a Q&A refer to this guide.