Ontario Vaccine Passport
As of 22 September 2021, Ontario implemented a ‘vaccine passport system’ also known as a ‘vaccine receipt’, which requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access non-essential services such as restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, sports venues, and other social gatherings. Individuals must show the staff working at these locations a certification of proof that they have received two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna Spikevax, Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty, AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, Jansses - Johnson & Johnson) at least two weeks before, along with an ID proof that matches their vaccine receipt. As of 22 October 2021, Ontario is also planning to provide individuals and businesses with QR code scanner verification applications for presenting the proof of vaccinations.
The proof of vaccination document is currently available in a PDF format which can either be downloaded on your phone or printed. An individual is considered as full vaccinated if they have received:
- Full series of COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines, or AstraZeneca with an mRNA shot
- A combination of one or two doses which are not approved by Health Canada, followed by a dose of either Pfizer or Moderna
- Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine which are not approved by Health Canada
- Their final doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to showing the proof of being fully vaccinated
Note – A negative COVID-19 test report will NOT be considered as a substitute for a COVID-19 vaccine passport document.
Where can I download my COVID-19 vaccine passport?
Individuals with a OHIP card can log in and, download or print an electronic copy of their proof of vaccination document from the government provincial portal. Vaccination receipts from jurisdictions outside Ontario are accepted as well, provided that the individual meets Health Canada’s criteria for being considered as fully vaccinated. Details such as name and date of birth should be same on the proof of vaccination document as on the person’s identity proof.
What if I do not have access to a computer or printer?
Individuals who do not have access to a computer or a printer can call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900, to get a copy of their proof of vaccination by mail. Some library branches offer free printing services for people who want to print their vaccine receipts. Individuals are advised to call and confirm prior to visiting a library branch for this service.
Where do I need to show a vaccine proof before entering?
As per the Government of Ontario website, an individual must show a proof of vaccination at the following locations before entering:
- Indoor areas of restaurants and bars, sports, and recreational facilities (gyms, swimming pools, water parks), banquet halls, conference centers, convention centers, strip clubs, bathhouses, sex clubs, horse racing tracks, car racing tracks, concert venues, theatres, casinos, and other gaming establishments
- Indoor and outdoor areas of nightclubs
Who is exempted from showing the proof of vaccination?
- Children under the age of 12 years
- People under the age of 18 who must enter the premises of a sports or a recreational activity for participation
- Individuals with a medical reason who are approved for an exemption by a registered physician or a nurse practitioner. However, Public Health Doctors have stated that, such medical exemptions are rare and are primarily related to limited conditions such as, having a life-threatening allergy to a vaccine ingredient, or having experienced a serious reaction after taking the first COVID-19 vaccine dose
- Individuals entering an indoor space of a restaurant or a bar only for a takeout or for using the bathroom
What if I do not have a valid photo health card?
Please call the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 to get a copy of your proof of vaccination.
Enforcement: Individuals may face up to a fine of $750, and corporations up to $1000, in case of not following the guidelines.
