Looking for a vaccine card in Alberta? You won't need a MyHealth Records account after all
The provincial government, with less than 24 hours to go before new COVID-19 guidelines come into force in Alberta, made it simpler for residents to acquire a document proving they've been vaccinated.
Instead of working through the MyHealth Records account system, the government has rolled out a streamlined method bypassing registration for the service, which was plagued by technical issues as late as last week.
By entering your health card number, date of birth and the month when you acquired at least one of the doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, the system provides a downloadable and printable record in seconds.
The card displays all the relevant information about the vaccine, including the type and the date when it was administered. It's also available to all Albertans aged 12 years old and up.
It does not provide a QR code or any other health records about the patient.
However, anyone who's received their shot recently may not be able to access their information, the province's website says.
"It can take up to three weeks for your online records to be updated after your vaccination. If your record isn’t in the system, use the paper copy from your appointment and try again later."
Any Albertans who don't acquire a printable card or through the MyHealth Records process can still use their existing immunization records as proof of vaccination, the province says.
"Work is also underway to make proof of vaccination available through a QR code. A QR code will be an easier, faster and more secure way to share the immunization record when needed. The QR code is expected to be available in the coming weeks."
PHONY CARDS AN ISSUE?
While many Albertans were already praising the convenience and speed of the printable vaccination documents, others highlighted what they saw as a flaw.
People noted how easy it was to build a fraudulent proof of vaccination using a simple tool available on most computers.
The provice says "motivated individuals" definitely have the power to create a false immunization record, but it's against the law to do so.
"It’s important to point out that falsifying a health record is an offense under Health Information Act," said Amanda Krumins, assistant communications director for Alberta Health in an email to CTV News.
"That said, we know the vast majority of Albertans will use the system properly and adhere to the legal requirements set out in the current public health orders."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.