Province releases more information on the PEI Vax Pass

The PEI Vax Pass program will allow fully vaccinated Islanders and visitors to safely take part in organized community, cultural, sporting and other social events.

The PEI Vax Pass is a time-limited measure that begins October 5 until the risk of COVID-19 to Prince Edward Island is reduced. This program is another layer of protection for PEI residents and will allow people to gather more safely and prevents the risk of widespread outbreaks.  The Delta-driven fourth wave of the global COVID-19 pandemic is the most infectious wave of the pandemic thus far, resulting in high rates of hospitalization, mainly in unvaccinated people. 

PEI residents and visitors to the province who are 19 years of age and older will be asked to present both their vaccination record, in either paper or digital format, along with their government-issued identification to access certain businesses, events, and other areas requiring proof of immunization. Youth aged 12 to 18 will only need to provide their proof of vaccination. Individuals will need to be fully vaccinated to access these locations and activities. Cohorting, gathering limits and masks will be required at events available to fully vaccinated attendees; however physical distancing will not be required. A digital QR code-based system is expected to launch later this month which will be a more efficient method to confirm vaccination status.

Businesses, organizations and event organizers requiring proof of vaccination can access dedicated online resources. Anyone needing additional supports to implement the proof of immunization requirement at their establishment can phone 1-833-533-9333 or email vaxpass@gov.pe.ca.

PEI residents and visitors to the province are expected to be respectful and patient with frontline workers in public settings and to continue following public health measures. Event organizers, restaurants, fitness and recreational facilities, and other areas requiring proof of vaccination status will only collect or share necessary information to administer the PEI Vax Pass program in accordance with the Public Health Act and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

Backgrounder: 

Where Proof of Vaccination is Required

Indoor and outdoor organized gatherings/events, including but not limited to:

• Sporting events*, and spectators at youth sporting events
  • *Doesn’t apply to participants less than 18 years old
• Concerts, and arts, theatre, and music events
• Wedding and funeral receptions and wakes
• Conferences, trade fairs and workshops
• Group activities and classes like pottery, art and choir
• Adult group and team sports for people 19 years of age and older
• Food premises and licensed premises (indoor and patio dining), including:
  • Restaurants
  • Cafes
  • Bars,
  • Liquor tasting rooms in wineries, breweries or distilleries
• Casinos and movie theatres
• Indoor gyms, exercise/dance facilities/studios, swimming pools and skating rinks
• Outdoor facilities for organized gatherings/events and use by business and organizations
• Arcades and bowling alleys

Examples of Where Proof of Vaccination is NOT Required

You do not have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at places or in settings such as:

• Personal gatherings (i.e. friends and family getting together at someone’s home), following the personal gathering limit
• Retail including, but not limited to:
  • Grocery stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Convenience stores
  • Clothing stores
  • Liquor stores
• Take-out, drive-through and delivery at food premises
• Local public transportation (i.e. T3 Transit, taxis)
• Salons, hairdressers and barbers
• Hotels, resorts, cabins and campsites
  • Proof of vaccination is required for settings or events covered in the list above (e.g. a licensed hotel restaurant, wedding reception or conference, and exercise/fitness facility)
• Banks and credit unions
• Public libraries, museums, art galleries (unless they are the location of an event)
• Food banks and shelters
• Health care services, rehabilitation or exercise therapy programs, counselling services and self-help, and drug and alcohol support groups and programs
• Locations that offer government services and social services (e.g. Access PEI)

You don't have to show proof of vaccination at events like:

• Worship services (including wedding and funeral ceremonies)
• Individuals 18 years old or younger participating in youth sport (spectators must be vaccinated)
• Before and after school programs for K to 12 students
• Student events and activities in K to 12 public and independent schools

Accessing Your PEI COVID-19 Immunization Record

Everyone who has received a COVID-19 vaccine in PEI can access a copy of their immunization record online using the health card number or phone number provided at the time of vaccination.

If a health card number or phone number was not provided at the time of vaccination, or individuals do not have one, they can:

• email vaxrecord@gov.pe.ca to request a copy of their immunization record (must include their full name and daytime phone number) or
• call the COVID-19 Immunization Program toll-free at 1-844-975-3303.

Media contact:
Vicki Tse
Executive Council Office
vickitse@gov.pe.ca