Here are the basics of B.C.'s vaccine card program

B.C.'s vaccine cardrequirement is in effect as of Sept. 13.

The province, whichintroducedthe requirement to encourage vaccinations and slow the surging fourth wave, released details of the program earlier in the month.

Here's what we know about the process, including how to findyour card.

Who will need a vaccine card?

Anyone whowants to access the following places or do the following activities after Sept. 13 will need to show proof of vaccination:

• indoor ticketed sporting events
• indoor concerts
• indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
• restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
• night clubs
• casinos
• movie theatres
• fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
• businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
• organized indoor events (e.g., weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops) with 50 or more people
• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities
• student housing on college and university campuses

How many doses do I need?

As ofSept. 13, you need to be at least partially vaccinated with one dose.

By Oct. 24, you'llneed to have been fully vaccinated with two dosesfor at least seven days.

WATCH | B.C. announces the COVID-19 vaccine card:

B.C. announces vaccine passport amid COVID-19 spike

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B.C. has followed Quebec's lead and will implement a vaccine passport system to access non-essential services.

How do I get my card?

Cards areavailablethrough the provincial Health Gateway website,though the site initiallycrashed due to high traffic volume.

Once you've loaded the site, you will need to enter your:

• Personal health number, which is onthe back of yourB.C. driver's licence, B.C. Services Card or CareCard
• Date of birth
• Date of vaccination dose one or dose two

The vaccine cardis a one-page file with your name, confirmed vaccination status and a QR code. You can download it as an image fileto your device, take ascreenshotof the card on your phoneor print a paper copy.

If the website is crashing, try again outside of peak hours like early in the morning or later at night.

As of Sept. 13, you'llneed to showproof of vaccination to access designated businesses and events. Adults aged 19 and over willalso need to show a government-issued piece of photo ID.

People between the ages of 12 and 18 do not need to show photo ID with their card.

Thosewho can't access acomputer and printer can:

• Ask a friend or family member toprint their vaccine card for them
• Call the province's call centre at 1-833-838-2323 to have their card printed and sent by mail
• Visit a Service B.C. locationin person to have thecard printed

Do not post your QR code online, the province said.

Until Sept. 26, you will be able to use your original proof of vaccination (such as the wallet card given out at vaccine clinics) to get into the above events.

After Sept. 27, however, the vaccine card will be the only accepted form of proof of vaccination.

I can't remember the date I got my vaccine. Now what?

You can confirm yourvaccination records online. There are four steps near the bottom ofthis page to follow to do so.

To start, you'll need to download theB.C. Services Card appto your mobile device. You'll need the appto register for Health Gateway, which isthe platform B.C. residents can use to access their health records online.

Once you're logged in to the gateway, you can find your COVID-19 immunization records.

If you believe your records arewrong, you'll need to call 1-833-838-2323to have them fixed.

Are there any exemptions?

The cards arenot required atgrocery stores and other retail settingsthat haven't seen high levels of transmission, according to officials. This includes fast-food restaurants, cafeterias, food courts and drive-thru restaurants.

Theyalso aren't necessary to access health services, enter a place of worship or vote in the federal election.

There is an exemption for children under the age of 12, but not for people who aren't able to get thevaccine for health or religious reasons.

I run a business. How do I check cards?

Businesses will have two options to verify the customers' vaccine cards:

• Visually, just asstaffcheckID before selling alcohol
• By scanning the card's QR code

For customers aged 19 and over, businesses will also need to ask for government-issued photo ID.

The province launchedthe B.C. Vaccine Card Verifierapp for businesses to use to scan QR codes.

A statement said more information for business-owners will be available on a designated website.

How will this be enforced?

Premier John Horgan saidstaff at venues or businesses could callpolice if patrons refuse to show their vaccine cards, but business owners and police have said they're concerned about that approach.

Depending on the violation, fines can range between $230 to $575 for individuals and $2,300 for event organizers or owners/operators of the locations where the event is being held.

What if I'm visiting from outside of B.C.?

Proof of vaccination is also required for people visiting from out of province. They'll need a provincially or territorially recognized officialvaccine record, as well asvalid government IDfrom the same province or territory.

People visiting from outside Canada will be required to show the proof of vaccination they used to enter the country, along with their passport.

How long will this system last?

The measures are in place until Jan. 31, 2022, but could be extended.