Alberta answers FAQs about vaccine passports with new web page

EDMONTON – With more and more private businesses and municipalities announcing they’ll require proof of vaccination, the Alberta government has released a list of frequently asked questions about vaccine records and vaccine passports.

The website was unveiled by Health Minister Tyler Shandro in a Twitter thread on Thursday.

Other jurisdictions (provinces/countries) may have different requirements which the Alberta govt does not control.

Albertans already receive proof of vaccination when they get their shot, be it from AHS, pharmacies, or a doctor. 3/8

— Tyler Shandro ???????? (@shandro) August 26, 2021

“To be clear, the Alberta government has not and will not mandate a so-called ‘vaccine passport’ for domestic use,” he tweeted.

“Other jurisdictions (provinces/countries) may have different requirements which the Alberta govt [sic] does not control.”

800,000 Albertans already have MyHealth accounts.

Thousands have signed up in recent days, 2,000 yesterday alone. You too can sign up at https://t.co/TTsIuzZxx1 5/8

— Tyler Shandro ???????? (@shandro) August 26, 2021

He explained that Albertans can access their vaccination records online by going to the Alberta MyHealth Records website or app.

“Albertans already receive proof of vaccination when they get their shot, be it from AHS, pharmacies, or a doctor,” Shandro added.

“But some Albertans, for whatever reason, are still hoping to receive a more formal document (ex. for international travel).”

Finally, they may take a screenshot to display upon request.

We are working on making MyHealth Records more accessible for Albertans. Soon, Albertans will be able to print a conveniently sized paper card. 7/8

— Tyler Shandro ???????? (@shandro) August 26, 2021

There are 11 questions posted on the website Shandro linked, including, “Will some private businesses and municipalities require Albertans to show proof of vaccination?”

“Some private business and municipalities have announced their intent to require proof of vaccination to access their businesses or services. This is not the decision of the Government of Alberta,” the website’s answer reads.

“Private businesses and municipalities’ decisions may be subject to legal challenges by individual Albertans.”

RELATED:

• Could a vaccine passport help boost Alberta’s slow vaccination rates?

• Online vaccination record system about to be improved: Alberta Health

• COVID-19 vaccine passports roll out across Canada as Delta variant spreads

Another question asks whether or not the Alberta government will compel people to show vaccination status to access services, to which the website’s answer is simply “no.”

The website also explains the province won’t automatically share your vaccination records with the federal government.

“Individual Albertans will have to voluntarily sign up with the federal government if they wish to participate in the federal program when it eventually launches,” it says. “An Albertan’s vaccination status will not be shared with the federal government – or any other entity – without that Albertan’s consent.”

Alberta Health said on Thursday it plans to allow Albertans to download a card-sized paper copy of their vaccination records to use as proof of vaccine.