Provincial Proof of Vaccination Rules
Here is your guide to the new provincial proof of vaccination rules. This is a guide only. For official rules please consult the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 information.
Quick Facts
New rules in effect September 22, 2021 apply to patrons, not employees
Applies to certain indoor locations (+ outdoor areas of nightclubs)
All other measures in O. Reg. 364/20 remain in effect (capacity limits, patron screening, masking, physical distancing and contact tracing information)
Locations Where Proof of Vaccination Required
Indoor dining at restaurants/bars
Does not apply to take-out/delivery
Indoor and outdoor areas of nightclubs and other establishments with dance floors
Does not apply to take-out/delivery
Indoor meeting and event spaces, conference centres and convention centres
Excluding areas used for:
Day/overnight camps
Child care
Social services
Courts
Government operations
Indoor areas used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including indoor waterparks, pools, gyms and spectator areas
Excluding areas used for:
Day/overnight camps
Child care
Social services (e.g. shower program for homeless persons)
Indoor casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
Indoor areas of concert venues, theatres & cinemas
Indoor areas of bathhouses, sex clubs & strip clubs
Indoor areas of horse racing & car racing tracks
Indoor areas where commercial film or television production is taking place with a studio audience
Note: Vaccination not required if only entering to use washroom, make a retail purchase, purchase admission, pay for an order or to access an outdoor area, or for health & safety
Patrons Who Are Exempt
Under 12 years old
Under 18 years old entering a sports and recreational facility to actively participate in an organized sport or fitness activity (parents & spectators must be vaccinated)
Person who produces valid proof of medical exemption
Rules Only Apply to Specific Areas
Vaccination is not required to enter a community centre in general, only those parts used for sports, meetings, events, theatre etc.
No vaccination required for libraries
No vaccination required for outdoor sports facilities
Weddings, Funerals and Religious Rites & Services
Wedding ceremony, funeral services, religious rites or ceremonies
Location: Any setting (including meeting or event spaces, places of worship, funeral establishments)
Proof of Vaccination: Not required
Wedding Reception
Location: Indoor meeting/rental event space (including at place of worship)
Proof of Vaccination:
Required starting October 13th
September 22nd to October 12th only, proof of negative COVID-19 test is an alternative
Funeral Reception, Wake or Other Social Gathering Associated with a Funeral
Location: Indoor meeting or event spaces located in places of worship, funeral establishments, cemeteries, a crematorium and similar establishments
Proof of Vaccination: Not required
Location: Other meeting or event spaces (e.g., conference or conventions centres)
Proof of Vaccination:
Required starting October 13th
September 22nd to October 12th only, proof of negative COVID-19 test is an alternative
Proof of Vaccination
Patrons must show 2 things:
Vaccination Receipt* (in paper or PDF form)
Identification with name and DOB (photo not required)
Business must confirm that a “full series” of COVID-19 vaccines was completed at least 14 days before
Businesses prohibited from retaining vaccination receipts or vaccination status information. Proof must be provided each time a patron enters
Free printing of vaccine receipts are available at Mississauga’s public libraries
* Issued by Ontario government, another jurisdiction or an Indigenous Health Provider
What is a “full series of COVID-19 vaccines”?
the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines,
one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or
three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada (e.g. the Russian Sputnik V vaccine)
To download your proof of vaccination
Medical Exemption Requirements
Written document from a physician (designated as “MD”) or by a registered nurse in the extended class (designated as “Registered Nurse (Extended Class)”, “RN(EC)”, “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP”)
Note must include:
name of individual
name & contact information for physician/RN(EC)
logo or letterhead identifying the physician/RN(EC)
Statement that there is a medical reason for the individual’s exemption from being fully vaccinated against COVID-19
any effective time-period for exemption.
Physicians / RN(EC) are expected to only recognize the following for medical exemption:
History of anaphylaxis (severe allergy) to the vaccine or an ingredient of the vaccine
individual suffered myocarditis or pericarditis after the first dose of a vaccine
Compliance
Failure to comply can result in charges under the Reopening Ontario Act. Both patrons and business operators can be charged.
Part I set fines:
$750 for individuals
$1,000 for corporations
Maximum penalties under Part I or Part II of the POA:
fines of up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual
up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail for an individual who is a director or officer of a corporation
up to $10 million for a corporation
