Covid-19 Bulletin No.47: Ontario's Proof Of Vaccination And Booster Eligibility

QR Code Requirements to Verify Vaccination Status

The province announced changes to the proof of vaccination system after a sudden escalation of Omicron cases and data suggesting that it will be the dominant strain by January 2022. The initial plan to end the provincial vaccine passport program in mid-January has been taken off the table and the program’s end date is indefinite, for the time being.

Effective January 4^th 2022, Ontario will require residents to use their QR code and the Verify Ontario application in settings where proof of vaccination is required. The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. For those individuals who do not have a phone or computer, you can get your QR code at your local library or you can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have your vaccine certificate mailed to you.

The province is strengthening the verification process for medical exemptions and clinical trial exemptions by requiring a certificate with a QR code. Organizations and businesses that are under the provincial proof-of-vaccination system have been advised to no longer accept physician notes as of January 10^th 2022.

Finally, starting on December 20^th 2021, the province will begin requiring proof of vaccination for youth aged 12 to 17 years of age participating in organized sports at recreational facilities.

Vaccine Booster Update

As of today, Ontario has extended COVID-19 booster shot eligibility to individuals over the age of 50, just in time for Christmas socializing — and to fight off the new Omicron variant which appears to spread more quickly than the dominant Delta strain. Those 50 and older can begin booking their boosters now, provided at least 168 days have passed since receiving their second dose. Those individuals who are eligible can now book appointments using the COVID vaccination portal, by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, through Indigenous-led vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, or primary care settings.

Due to a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, effective immediately, individuals receiving dialysis are eligible to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if it has been 56 days since their second dose.

Further, Ontario’s top doctor, Dr. Kieran Moore, announced that individuals 18 and over will be eligible to book a booster shot as of January 4^th 2022, at 8:00 a.m. Eligible individuals will be able to book their third dose appointment through the provincial portal or by calling the provincial vaccine contact centre. Boosters will be available at vaccination clinics, select pharmacies, and primary care settings.

The government is urging individuals to keep their holiday gatherings small, safe, and fully vaccinated.

Please refer to our previous COVID-19 Bulletins, which contain information on recommended protocols and procedures to be implemented in condominiums.

Please ensure that you speak with legal counsel if your condominium does not already have COVID-19 protocols and policies in place to help manage the risks associated with COVID-19.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on our team:

All of the information contained in this article is of a general nature for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the definitive opinion of the firm of Elia Associates on any particular matter. Although every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this article is accurate and up-to-date, the reader should not act upon it without obtaining appropriate professional advice and assistance.