On August 23, 2021, BC’s Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry announced an upcoming health order requiring proof of vaccination to access a range of discretionary events, services, and businesses throughout the province. Coming into effect on September 13, individuals wishing to access those services must prove they have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; by October 24, individuals must be fully vaccinated.
The requirement, though characterized as a “temporary measure” in the Order, is scheduled to be in place until January 31, 2022. This measure fails to account for the diverse needs of people who utilize a variety of public, private, and communal spaces who will face legitimate barriers to accessing a vaccine card.
Vaccine cards present a number of issues that our organizations have grave concerns about, including:
- Access for undocumented migrants and other migrants who are denied MSP
- Access for low-income people without government-issued identification
- Access for people who use drugs
- Access for people who cannot be vaccinated due to complex health conditions
- Access for people whose government name is inaccurate
