COVID-19 - As Ontario reopens, learn about public health and workplace safety measures. Learn about the COVID-19 vaccination and service disruptions.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination

As of Sept. 22, 2021 certain settings will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. This includes higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings can't always be worn.

With increased risk due to a fourth wave of COVID-19 driven by the Delta variant, vaccination will help to protect you against becoming ill with COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines approved by Health Canada are highly effective at preventing severe outcomes including hospitalizations, severe disease and death. Vaccination will not only protect you as an individual, but can help keep the people around you safe. The more people who get vaccinated, the better protected we'll be, and the sooner things will return to normal.

Showing proof of vaccination

To enter settings that need proof of vaccination, individuals must show proof that they're fully vaccinated using their vaccination receipt or enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code. Individuals who received their vaccinations in Ontario can download their vaccination certificate. You must also show a piece of government-issued ID that matches the name and date of birth on the vaccination certificate.

Learn about where you must show proof of vaccination and exceptions.

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I know if I'm 'fully vaccinated'?

    A person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they've received:

    • The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines (two doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca) or one dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) OR
    • One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada OR
    • Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada

    AND

    • They received their final dose of the vaccine series at least 14 days ago

    If you don't meet the above criteria, your QR from your enhanced vaccine certificate will not show a green check mark and will not work.

  • How can I get my proof of vaccination?

    Ontario residents who have a green Ontario health card can download your enhanced vaccine certificates that contain a QR code (that can be scanned) from the online COVID-19 Vaccination Portal.

    If you have a red or white health card, aren' t able to access the internet, or would like your vaccine certificate emailed or mailed to you, contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week at 1-833-943-3900. They will help you get your vaccine certificate.

    If you don't have a health card, fill out the COVID-19 No Health Card form. If you have questions about filling out this form, call our COVID-19 Info-Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074, press 7 or chat online.

    If you're still unsure, find out how to get your proof of vaccination.

  • How do the enhanced vaccine certificates work?

    Individuals can save an electronic version of their enhanced vaccine certificate to a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) or print a paper copy. These enhanced vaccine certificates contain a QR code that can be scanned by settings that require proof of vaccination to enter. You're still required to show a piece of government-issued ID with your name and date of birth that matches your vaccine certificate.

    You don't need to download an app to use your enhanced vaccine certificate with the QR code. Get a vaccine certificate that works with Verify Ontario for additional details.

    Current vaccine receipts without a QR code remain valid and will continue to be accepted.

  • I don't have a printer but want a paper copy. How can I get my certificate?

    Visit your local library or go to a ServiceOntario location to have your certificate printed

  • How do I show my proof of vaccination if I received my vaccines outside of Ontario?

    If you received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario and one dose in Ontario, you can still use the online Provincial booking system to print both copies of your vaccination receipts, as long as you have a green Ontario health card.

    If you received your full series of COVID-19 vaccine outside of Ontario, refer to the original vaccination receipts you were given.

  • What if I don't want to disclose my vaccination status?

    For public settings falling under the provincial guidance, it's the discretion of the individual to determine whether they would like to disclose their vaccination status. Should they make the decision not to divulge this information, they will:

    • Need to connect with their employer or post-secondary institution for information
    • Not be permitted to access settings that require proof of vaccination
  • In settings where proof of vaccination is required, is a recent negative test enough to attend if you're not fully vaccinated?

    A negative COVID-19 test or recent COVID-19 infection will not entitle a person to enter these settings. However, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 12, 2021, people attending a wedding or funeral reception indoors can provide a negative rapid antigen COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before the event as an alternative to proof of vaccination. Rapid antigen tests are not publicly funded. The only exception after Oct. 12, 2021 are for unvaccinated people with accepted medical exemptions and people under 12 years of age.

  • Proof of vaccination isn't required for outdoor patios. Is proof of vaccination needed for making payments indoors / using the washroom?

    You're not required to show proof of vaccination to go indoors with the only purpose of using the washroom or making a payment.

  • What medical exemptions are accepted for the COVID-19 vaccine?

    There are two accepted medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine.

    1. Allergy to a component of the vaccine as confirmed by an allergist / immunologist. Potential allergens include:

    • Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech - polyethylene glycol
    • Moderna - tromethamine
    • AstraZeneca - polysorbate-80
    • Janssen - polysorbate-80

    2. Diagnosis of myocarditis or pericarditis after a first dose of an mRNA vaccine

    As a precautionary measure, the second dose in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series should be deferred in individuals who experience myocarditis or pericarditis following the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine until more information is available. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization will continue to monitor the evidence and update recommendations as needed.

    For more information, review COVID-19 vaccine contraindications and medical exemptions or frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • How can I get an exemption for COVID-19 vaccination?

    In Ontario, COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary. Anyone eligible is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

    Adults

    • If you have questions on a workplace or post-secondary institution's vaccination policy, connect with the facility. These types of policies are made at the discretion of each individual employer, not by Public Health.
    • For a medical exemption against COVID-19 vaccine connect with a health care professional, if appropriate. Public Health doesn't provide such exemptions. See COVID-19 Vaccine Contraindications and Medical Exemptions memo released Aug. 27, 2021.

    We encourage the public to visit Ontario's vaccination website for updates to vaccination requirements.

    For information about children, visit COVID-19 vaccination in youth.

For more frequently asked questions, review using your vaccination receipt or new requirements for proof of vaccination in certain settings.

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