The Proof of Vaccination program requires all individuals ages 12 years and older accessing certain businesses and activities to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of an approved medical exemption. A COVID-19 vaccine passport is a way to protect residents and will help us to live safely with COVID-19 and keep businesses and organizations open.

Lists of where a proof of vaccination is required and where it is not required can be found in the backgrounder below.

When providing proof of vaccination, an individual will be required to show identification to verify that they are the holder of their COVID-19 vaccination record or approved medical exemption. Photo copies and pictures of these pieces of ID, which for example could be saved on a smartphone, are acceptable. People ages 19 years and older have two choices for verifying their identity: they can show one piece of photo identification with their name and date of birth, or two pieces of non-photo identification that include their name and at least one must include their date of birth. For those fully vaccinated between the ages of 12-18, proof of identity can be in the form of a birth certificate, MCP card, or other identification that includes their name and date of birth.

The use of NLVaxPass and NLVaxVerify is an easy and effective way for individuals and businesses to manage proof of vaccination. The apps are available for download for free on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Residents have four options for obtaining their COVID-19 vaccination record QR code:

1. Download the NLVaxPass app
2. Access the COVID-19 Vaccine Portal (residents ages 16 years and older can also access the Vaccine Portal via MyGovNL)
3. Visit your local public library if you do not have access to a computer or mobile device
4. Call 1-833-951-3859 if you do not have access to a computer or mobile device

Additionally, individuals can print their COVID-19 vaccination record and use a paper copy or use the After Care Sheet and Immunization Record, which is the document people received at the immunization clinic.

Individuals who qualify for a medical exemption must request a physician or nurse practitioner complete and sign a letter attesting they have a valid medical exemption. This letter can be presented at businesses or organizations where proof of vaccination is required. Physicians and nurse practitioners will soon have a template of this letter to complete. For those with a valid MCP card and an approved medical exemption, you will be issued a QR code by the end of November.

Businesses and organizations must accept the following proof of vaccination:

• Electronic COVID-19 vaccination record QR code using NLVaxPass;
• Physical copy of COVID-19 vaccination record QR code;
• Physical or electronic copy of official vaccination record issued in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Physical or electronic copy of official vaccination record issued outside of Newfoundland and Labrador; or
• Proof that an individual has received an approved medical exemption from a physician or nurse practitioner.

There is detailed information available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador proof of vaccination website, which includes a frequently asked questions page.

Please be assured that officials are working to rectify issues that have been raised with vaccine records and verifying out of province records. Please be patient as we work through this process.

Additional information related to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.

– 30 –

Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Information on Proof of Vaccination Requirements

The Special Measures Order can be found online here.

Proof of Vaccination is required at:

• Gatherings of any size held for socializing, celebration, ceremony or entertainment that are hosted at a recognized business or organization, a rental room, community centre, or other venue used to host gatherings;
• Conferences, conventions and trade shows;
• Arenas;
• Indoor gyms and fitness facilities, yoga studios and dance studios;
• Places where sports and recreational activities are practiced indoors;
• Places where group music, art, dance, and drama activities are practiced indoors, including bands, choirs, dance and music classes;
• Indoor entertainment facilities;
• Businesses that hold a license under the Liquor Control Act whose primary purpose is the consumption of beer, wine, or spirits;
• Restaurants for indoor seated dining only;
• Cinemas and performance spaces;
• Bingo halls;
• Personal service establishments; and
• Assisted living facilities, community care homes, long-term care facilities and personal care homes.

Proof of vaccination is not required at:

• At schools or school-based activities;
• Child care;
• Post-secondary institutions;
• Retail stores, shopping malls, and public markets;
• Health care facilities, including private health clinics;
• Community agencies offering essential services;
• Taxis and public transit;
• Hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, and hostel accommodations;
• Places where government and other public services are offered; and
• Financial institutions.

The Proof of Vaccination does not apply to:

• Children under the age of 12 years;
• Employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors or suppliers of the businesses, organizations or activities listed in Order No. 2 or Order No. 3; and
• First responders accessing businesses and organizations to respond to an emergency call.

Children aged 12 to 18 years are not required to provide proof of vaccination where they are participating in the following activities only:

• Indoor sport or recreational activities, including those practiced at arenas, indoor gyms, fitness facilities, yoga studios and dance studios;
• Indoor group music, art, dance, and drama activities; and
• Dedicated children’s religious or faith-based programs.