Get your COVID-19 vaccine credential

If you're travelling you may be required to provide proof of vaccination to access non-essential services, for example:

• restaurants;
• gyms; and
• post-secondary student housing.

Is your proof of vaccination accepted anywhere in Canada, or internationally?

You can use your proof of vaccination credential any time that government-issued proof of vaccination is required. The Yukon credential follows the Canadian standard. This makes it suitable for use in Canada or to enter Canada from an international destination. The majority but not all Canadian provinces and territories use the federal standard format. This means they might not be able to automatically read your QR code. If this happens, they can read the written portion of the credential.

Why do I need a COVID-19 proof of vaccination credential?

The wallet-sized vaccination card we gave you when you were vaccinated shows your proof of vaccination. In the future this will likely not be enough for some purposes, such as travel. The new credential format is part of ongoing efforts in Canada and internationally to standardize proof of vaccination. The new credential has better security features than your vaccination card.

How do I know the online form is safe and secure?

Our online services undergo regular security audits. They follow best practices for online safety and security. As a best practice, we encrypt all your interactions. Only authorized people will be able to access the personal health information you submit.

What information is on the credential?

The credential has the following information.

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• The vaccine product name (for example, Pfizer or Moderna).
• The date you got your vaccinations.
• The vaccine lot number.
• The territory or province the vaccine was delivered in (for example, the Yukon).
• The date the vaccine credential was issued.

View an example of a credential.

The credential also contains a special barcode called a QR Code. It has the same information as the plain text on the credential. It also has information on the COVID-19 vaccinations you received and the government issuing process. The QR code enables your credential to be scanned to ensure it's authentic.

Can I request a proof of vaccination credential for my child?

If your child is able, they should ask for their vaccination credential themselves. However, you can help them request their credential online or over the phone.

Can I request a credential for someone else?

Yes, if you're authorized do to so. We'll need you to complete a consent or declaration form. Once you've submitted them, we'll keep them on file for future credential requests.

What language is the credential issued in?

The credential is bilingual. It's in English and French.

I cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine for health reasons. Can I get a credential that states this?

At this time, credentials are only for people who have received full COVID-19 vaccination.

How long is the credential valid for?

The credential does not have an expiration date.

If the format of the credential changes or vaccination requirements change, your credential may no longer be valid. If you get a new credential, previous ones will no longer be valid.

If you plan on travelling internationally, and you are not sure if your proof of vaccination credential is valid or up to date you can download a new one.

If I get a COVID-19 vaccine booster in the future, will I need to update my credential?

Yes, you'll need to obtain a new credential.

I was not vaccinated in the Yukon. How do I get my credential?

If you're a Yukon resident, then you can get your credential through our service, as long as you provide the vaccination records from the jurisdiction where you received your vaccination.

If you are not a Yukon resident, you will need to get a credential through the province or territory you received your vaccine in.

I only received 1 vaccine in the Yukon and the other 1 in another jurisdiction. How do I get my credential?

You'll need to provide your out of territory vaccination records by using the support service. Once your records are on file, you'll be able to get a credential. To use our service, you must:

• have received at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine in the Yukon; or
• be a Yukon resident.

Will the credential be valid and accepted anywhere in the world?

We cannot guarantee it will be accepted everywhere because international standards are still emerging. The Government of Canada has established a federal standard for proof of vaccination. The Yukon’s proof of vaccination credential meets the federal standard. 

Does the credential need to be printed? If so, does it need to be printed on special paper?

The credential is available in an electronic PDF format. You can also choose to have it sent to you in the mail.

You may need to print if the organization or business you need to show it to requires it to be printed. It does not need to be printed on special paper.

If you fold it, be careful not to crease the QR code since this might make it unreadable.

If I request a credential, and later request another credential (either online or via the phone), does my first one remain valid?

No, you can only have one valid credential at a time. If you request a credential and receive it, and later request another one, the first one automatically is invalid.

What happens if I need more than 1 copy of my credential?

If you receive a PDF credential you can print as many copies as you wish, or keep it on your phone to present when needed. If you receive your credential in the mail, you can photocopy additional copies, but this may make the QR code difficult or impossible to read with a scanner.

Do I need to take precautions when sharing my proof of vaccination credential?

You should treat this like any other government-issued record that contains personal information, and it should only be shown when required. For instance, do not take a picture of your credential and share it on social media.

Can I request more than 1 copy of my credential, if I'm receiving it via the mail?

You'll only receive 1 printed copy in the mail, if you ask for postal delivery.

Why is digital download recommended over postal delivery?

If you choose digital download, your proof of vaccination credential will go straight to your computer. This transmission happens via an encrypted tunnel. Registered mail may not be convenient for some people. You must visit the post office with your proof of ID to access the envelope with your credential. The download option offers immediate delivery of your credential, whereas mail will take 7 to 14 business days to arrive.

How long will it take to receive the credential?

If you've had both vaccines in the Yukon, you should be able to receive the credential 1 day later through the online service.

If you need to submit more information or provide vaccination records from another jurisdiction, it will take longer. We offer postal delivery as well. It may take 7 to 14 business days for credentials to arrive at Yukon addresses.

What's the purpose of this credential?

The credential gives Yukoners a secure, government-issued proof of vaccination. It's more resistant to fraud than the vaccination cards issued at vaccination clinics. It also contains a QR code, which can be scanned and read electronically. The data format is called SMART. There are some apps that can show you what’s in the QR code, such as Verifier Portal.

The QR code has the same information as the plain text on the credential. It also has information on the COVID-19 vaccinations you received and the government issuing process.

What's ArriveCAN?

ArriveCAN is a Government of Canada app. It's used to provide mandatory travel information before and after entry into Canada. It's where you can upload your proof of vaccination credential. Learn more about ArriveCAN.

Can this service be used for other vaccinations or only COVID-19?

This credential is only for COVID-19 vaccinations. If you require information about other vaccinations you've received, you can contact your local health centre. If you're outside the Yukon, contact the health authority where you received your vaccines.

If someone does not have internet or phone access are there are other ways to get a credential?

With your signed written consent, another person can request the credential on your behalf. Alternatively, there are public spaces, such as community libraries, with computers the public can use.

I'm a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, can I still apply to get a Yukon COVID-19 vaccine credential?

Yes, you can request to receive the Yukon credential as an optional way to prove your COVID-19 vaccination status. You can use this in addition to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) issued proof of vaccination.

Before applying you may need to update your COVID-19 vaccination records.

For more information on the proof of vaccination from CAF please visit COVID-19 vaccines for Defence Team members.

Why does the credential only have 1 page?

As of November 18, 2021, the Yukon credential now only has 1 page. The credential used to have 3 pages. We changed this to make it easier for Yukoners to use the credential. You do not need to re-download your credential if you have the 3 page version as it is still valid. 

The credential contains both a QR code and the information listed below:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• The vaccine product name (for example, Pfizer or Moderna).
• The date you got your vaccinations.
• The vaccine lot number.
• The territory the credential was issued in (for example, the Yukon).
• The date the vaccine credential was issued.

How do I save the credential to my phone?

Once you download the credential to your phone, you can either save it to your files or take a screenshot.

I cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccination for medical reasons. Can I get a credential that states this?

Yes. There are credentials for people who have been granted a medical deferral for a limited time. Contact your local health centre for more information.

Why does my proof of vaccination credential have a barcode?

The Yukon’s proof of vaccination credential contains a special type of barcode called a QR code that will validate the credential when it's scanned. We designed it to follow the federal standards.

Will Yukon businesses and organizations be able to electronically scan the QR code on the credential?

We have launched the Yukon Vaccination Verifier app to help designated services verify Yukoner's proof of vaccination. 

Learn more about verifying a person's proof of vaccination and download the app. 

What’s in the QR code?

The QR code contains the same information as the plain text on the credential. It also has details about the COVID-19 vaccination the person received, such as date received, type of vaccine and the location of vaccination. The QR code does not contain any other personal health information.

Does the QR code and verifier app protect my privacy?

We’ve designed the proof of vaccination credential and app to protect your privacy.

• The app does not store any data from the proof of vaccination credential.
• The QR code only contains the minimum amount of information to verify your COVID-19 vaccination status.
• The proof of vaccination credential does not link to any other records.

For more information, read the app privacy policy.

Is your proof accepted anywhere in Canada, or internationally?

You can use your proof of vaccination any time that government-issued proof of vaccination is required. The Yukon credential follows the Canadian standard. This makes it suitable for use in Canada or to enter Canada from an international destination. The majority but not all Canadian provinces and territories use the federal standard format. This means they might not be able to automatically read your QR code. If this happens, they can read the written portion of the credential.