The Ministry of Health of Ontario has finally disclosed the factors that will validly exempt an individual from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Led by spokesperson David Jensen, the officials made the said announcement to avoid confusion among residents of the region, especially now that a mandatory vaccine certificate is put in place to access public establishments and participate in non-essential events.
The vaccine certificate requirement is scheduled to take effect on September 22.
According to a statement released by the province’s health officials, individuals will only be exempt from having their COVID-19 vaccine if either of the following factors is present:
First, if they are allergic to any component of the vaccine, or second, they have been seen to develop pericarditis or myocarditis after they had their first shot. The Ministry of Health specified no other exemptions.
It is also important to note that children under 12 are exempted from having their COVID-19 shots because they are still ineligible.
Additionally, the provincial government of Ontario is currently setting up an app that will let residents access their digital immunization certificates via a QR code whenever they are looking to be admitted in public establishments. These include gyms, indoor sporting events, movie theaters, or grab a bite in indoor dining places, among others.
Those who still do not have their respective vaccine certificates because they are covered by the two exemptions specified by the Ministry of Health must bring a doctor’s note and a government-issued photo ID to be given admittance.
Jensen pointed out that the app used to access the digital immunization certificates is slated to be up and running by October.
