Tri-City residents are being reminded to have a downloaded or paper copy of their B.C. Vaccine Card on hand this week when accessing certain events and businesses.
The two-week grace period for those eligible — aged 12 and older — to show the paper immunization card they received when getting a dose(s) against COVID-19 to gain entry into what are called "discretionary" places ends Monday (Sept. 27) and it will no longer be permitted.
The proof-of-vaccine program came into effect in B.C. on Sept. 13, requiring people to show proof they had received at least one jab to enter restaurants with liquor and/or table service, indoor concerts, gyms, movie theatres, indoor ticketed sporting events and other settings deemed “non-essential.”
In a QR code format, the digital vaccine card can be downloaded to a mobile device or it can be printed out for a hard copy.
"More than 3.1 million British Columbians have already received their BC Vaccine Card, allowing them to attend events and indoor recreational settings more safely," said Health Minister Adrian Dix in a statement today (Sept. 25).
"The smartest, safest, and soundest decision right now for everyone eligible is to get vaccinated. We encourage all British Columbians to get their shot and download their BC Vaccine Card today."
Beginning Oct. 24, people will be required to have both doses of the vaccine to enter "discretionary" events and businesses.
The province says businesses can scan people's vaccine card QR code using the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App from the Google Play and Apple App stores, or they can “visually verify the person's proof of vaccination.”
For more information on where a vaccine card is needed and to download one, you can visit the B.C. government's proof-of-vaccination page.
POP-UP VACCINE CLINIC
If you're hoping to get a dose against COVID-19 to obtain a B.C. Vaccine Card, Fraser Health is setting up another Tri-Cities special-event clinic this week.
The authority is scheduled to have healthcare workers administer vaccines on Tuesday (Sept. 28) at the Electrical Joint Training Committee institution in Port Coquitlam — located at 1405 Broadway St one block south of the Mary Hill Bypass.
Eligible residents aged 12 years and older who would like a first or second dose are welcome to walk up to the clinic between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. that day as capacity and supplies allow.
No personal health number or appointment is required.
However, those seeking a second dose are encouraged to bring their paper immunization record card.
For those who can't make the pop-up, the mass immunization clinic in the Coquitlam Central Station still remains open seven days a week.
The overflow parking lot is inoculating first and second doses as capacity and supplies allow.
Its location and schedule is as follows:
- 2900 Barnet Hwy.
- 9:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. = Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
- Entrance off Mariner Way — east side of Rona. Proceed down the ramp and turn right
- The address will direct you to the main lot on the left but COVID-19 Services are located in the overflow lot to the right
- Do not cut through the Rona parking lot. Please follow the signs
For more information, or to view other special-event clinics across the Lower Mainland, you're encouraged to visit Fraser Health's website.
TRI-CITY VACCINATION UPDATE
As of Sept. 22, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is reporting a combined double-vaccination average of 83.2 per cent for the Tri-Cities, which is tied for the third-highest rate in all of Fraser Health.
There's an 88.8 per cent average rate for one dose of a vaccine against COVID-19.
The Tri-Cities also boasts the second-highest double-vaccination rate among 12- to 17-year-olds across Fraser Health at 77 per cent
Port Moody-Anmore-Belcarra leads all local sub-regions with an 85 per cent double- and 90 per cent single-vaccination rates.
- with files from Nicholas Johansen, Castanet
