How do I download my Ontario vaccine certificate QR code
The Ontario government has launched its COVID-19 vaccine verification app and QR code system.
While the app is now available for download, some residents will not be able to download the Verify Ontario QR codes until later this weekend.
Since Sept. 22, residents in the province have needed proof of vaccination in order to visit some non-essential businesses and services in Ontario.
For nearly a month now, residents have been using a COVID-19 receipt and government identification to prove their vaccination status, but soon they will be able to use the enhanced QR code instead that businesses can scan with the new app.
Currently, people need to be fully vaccinated to enter gyms, indoor restaurants, movie theatres, indoor meeting and event spaces, sports venues and concert halls.
CTV News Toronto has compiled a list of everything you need to know about the new enhanced vaccine certificates and app.
How will the new enhanced vaccine certificate work?
- The enhanced vaccine certificate is a scannable QR code that contains only essential information and does not include health card numbers.
- People will need to show a piece of ID alongside the QR code.
How will the new Verify Ontario app for businesses work?
- Verify Ontario is a free QR code scanner for businesses that can be used to scan QR codes on the enhanced vaccine certificates. The app can't store any personal information.
- Businesses and organizations can download the free app from the Apple app and Google Play stores. It is available in French and English.
- It can be used without an internet connection and can scan both digital and printed versions of the enhanced vaccine certificates.
- The app will show businesses a checkmark or an ‘X’ to confirm vaccination status, officials say.
When can I download the enhanced vaccine certificate?
- People with a green photo health card can start downloading the new certificate on Oct. 15. It is available on the COVID-19 vaccination portal, but it will be initially only be available in cohorts based on date of birth.
- If you are born between January and April, you can download the enhanced vaccine certificate on Oct. 15 between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
- If you are born between May and August, you can download enhanced vaccine certificate on Oct. 16 between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
- If you are born between September and December, you can download enhanced vaccine certificate on Oct. 17 between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.
- The portal will be open for everyone on Oct. 18 at 6 a.m.
Do I need a cellphone or computer to use the system?
- The province says the enhanced vaccine certificate can be printed or downloaded. Businesses must accept both electronic and paper versions.
What if I can’t access the Ontario vaccine portal?
- Anyone who can’t access the portal, including those with only an Ontario red-and-white health card, can call the provincial vaccine contact centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their enhanced vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to them.
- People without an Ontario health card can contact their public health unit to have their identity verified and get a COVID ID. Once they get the ID, they can call the phone number above.
- If someone does not have access to a printer, they can get a copy printed for free at a local library or at a ServiceOntario location.
- Ontario residents who received their first or second dose out of the province can contact their public health unit to record their information and receive an Ontario receipt.
Does the enhanced certificate work for people with only one vaccine dose?
- The QR code when scanned will not generate approval or a checkmark if the individual is not yet fully vaccinated.
Will I be able to use the QR code for medical exemptions?
- The province says work in underway to integrate medical and clinical exemptions into vaccine certificates with QR codes.
- Currently, people who cannot take the vaccine due to medical reasons can present a note from a medical doctor or registered nurse.
Can I still use the vaccine receipt I have been using?
- Yes, people can continue to use their current vaccine receipt if they prefer that. Businesses are required to accept that as proof of vaccination.
- However, people can no longer download these receipts off the province’s online portal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion, official says
The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.