Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members
September 7, 2021 - Defence Stories
A COVID-19 proof of vaccination credential is an authoritative, trusted document that demonstrates a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19. It can be paper or digital, and provides identity-linked information to one’s COVID-19 vaccination history.
The CAF proof of vaccination
Whichever document is issued by the respective immunizing agency (federal, provincial or territorial health service) is the proof of vaccination credential for that jurisdiction. The CAF vaccination booklet or other document such as an immunization card or aftercare sheet that was provided to members when they received their vaccine through the CAF vaccine clinic is the CAF proof of vaccination. Members may show these documents when asked to prove their vaccination status. Public health officials in all Canadian jurisdictions recognize the CAF vaccination document (i.e., vaccine booklet or other clinic-issued document) and will accept it as proof of vaccination for CAF members.
Canadian national proof of vaccination
CF Health Services is actively engaged with federal, provincial and territorial partners in the development of a national proof of vaccination standard so that CAF members will be included in the target population for the pan-Canadian proof of vaccination. The future digital Canadian proof of vaccination is intended to be a reliable and secure method for international travel, but may be adapted to other purposes. The Public Health Agency of Canada is planning for launch in Fall 2021. The CAF is working to ensure that when a national proof of vaccination standard is adopted in Canada, CAF members will also receive a similar digital proof of vaccination generated from their personal health record.
Privacy of your health information
In order to protect each CAF member’s identifiable medical information, the CAF does not send individual CAF member health or vaccination reports to federal, provincial or territorial partners. However, all provincial and territorial public health organizations have been made aware of the CAF proof of vaccination documents. These CAF documents are valid proof of vaccination in Canadian jurisdictions.
Provincial/Territorial (P/T) proof of vaccination credential (PVC)
Some provinces and territories have developed a proof of vaccination credential (PVC), commonly referred to as a “vaccine passport”, to make it easy and quick to access non-essential services within the P/T. To take advantage of the easy recognisability of a P/T document or digital “passport” in P/Ts where these are used, CAF members may request a proof of vaccine from their P/T of residence (please refer to P/T-specific information where applicable).
The need and methods for proof of vaccination credential are evolving rapidly, and vary significantly between jurisdictions. Note that these P/T “vaccine passports” are an optional way for CAF members to demonstrate their vaccination status in their respective P/T in addition to the CAF-issued proof of vaccination credential (CAF vaccination booklet or card issued after vaccination).
For more information on the national proof of vaccination, please visit COVID-19: Proof of vaccination in Canada and for international travel, which includes information on federal and P/T programs, or contact your nearest Canadian Armed Forces Health Services Centre.
Major-General Marc Bilodeau
Surgeon General, Canadian Armed Forces