Vaccine Certificates Could Grant More Perks For Fully Vaxxed Ontarians, Science Table Says

While Premier Doug Ford has already publicly rejected the idea of vaccine passports in the province, Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table just released its recommendations for having them.

In a 21-page brief published Wednesday, July 21, science table experts break down how "vaccine certificates" could be used in Ontario on both a short-term and long-term basis in various settings.

On a short-term basis, Ontario's experts say vaccine certificates could be used to reopen high-risk settings sooner or offer increased capacities in settings like bars, indoor dining, gyms, sporting and cultural events. They can also be used in settings like schools, universities, workplaces, and congregate settings that require mandatory vaccination, like Seneca College.

Meanwhile, on a long-term basis, these certificates can provide a verifiable and accessible record of immunization for Ontarians.

"If introduced, vaccine certification must be made available in a way that is equitable and accessible to everyone," the science table writes under its guidance of best practices. It also adds that accommodations must be made for Ontarians who have not received the vaccine.

According to the province's most recent data, just over 80% of Ontarians 18 years old and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 65% are fully vaccinated.

Ontario's top doctor recently shared some tips on how to download your vaccination receipt in case you should ever need it, as some businesses have already independently declared their requirement for proof of vaccination.