Some people confused about how to access electronic version of BC Vaccine Card

Some people are finding it difficult to navigate the ins and outs of getting the electronic version of the BC Vaccine Card, now mandatory at restaurants, gyms, casinos and other venues.

One woman contacted Castanet because she’s frustrated with how complicated and confusing it is.

“It pisses me off for people who aren’t savvy and, or willing to do the research. So, I’ve been sitting on Google putting in every keyword that I can think of to get this up and on.” Kim Prost says calling it a card is misleading when it’s actually not a piece of paper but a downloadable document with a QR code.

Others say they don’t have a smartphone and wonder how they can get a paper copy.
The province has details on its website, but it does take a bit of digging to find the information.

There are a number of options:

• Ask a friend or family member to help by giving you access to a computer or printer.
• Visit a library to print your card
• Order a paper copy by phone by calling 1-833-838-2323 (Note: you can’t request a paper copy for someone else).
• Print a copy at a Service BC office

Once you have your electronic vaccine card, you’ll need to show it when required, and also make sure to bring I.D.

“That’s the one that we’re having the biggest problem with is sometimes people don’t have that other verification I.D.,” says Ian Tostenson, President/CEO, British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

He suggests if you’re taking a screenshot or scanning your electronic vaccine card, also save copies of your other documents like your driver's license to your phone.

So, how are restaurants faring with enforcement?

“We’re actually getting emails from people saying I went to a restaurant, they didn’t quite do it right, or I went to a restaurant and now I feel so safe, I’m going to go to a restaurant because I want to be with other people who are vaccinated. So it’s a very positive story that’s developed,” says Tostenson.

He adds, there are few negative reports coming in. “There’s about 100 restaurants in B.C. that have decided not to do this. I don’t know why they wouldn’t because the reason that they’re open is because the industry is taking on the vax card in order to stay open. So as we do that and they defy it, it makes no sense. Plus the fact we want to play our significant role in the health of British Columbians.”

Interior Health says it is taking a progressive compliance approach with businesses, starting with education and escalating to tickets and closure when necessary. If any fines or orders are issued they will be posted on the Interior Health website.