Alberta vaccine status card printable as of Thursday, QR code in 'coming weeks'

EDMONTON -

Albertans will be able to print a card to show their proof of vaccination starting Thursday.

It will also be accessible on mobile devices, a government announcement on Tuesday read.

Officials announced the move in late August, shutting down any equalization to a vaccine passport.

The QR code it promised at the same time will be available in the "coming weeks," government officials said Tuesday. The press release from the ministry of health said work to develop it was still underway.

MYHEALTH USERS WAIT WITH THOUSANDS OF OTHERS IN VIRTUAL LINE

Alberta's government has called the QR code its way of helping out businesses or institutions which will require proof of vaccine status.

Health Minister Tyler Shandro reiterated that on Tuesday, urging the public to sign up for MyHealthRecords so that they can "securely access their health information, including immunization records, in the palm of their hand any time and anywhere."

But within hours, the site was flooded with Albertans who had flocked there to make or check an account.

By 1 p.m., users faced a 20-minute wait to look at their own health records.

A screenshot, taken on Sept.14, 2021, hours after Health Minister Tyler Shandro encouraged Albertans to sign up for the service, shows a 20-minute wait for a MyHealthRecords user and more than 4,100 other people in virtual queue.

“Alberta Health Services has increased the server capacity of MyHealthRecords due to high interest in this online tool and app,” said Amanda Krumins, a spokesperson for the government. “The technical team are closely monitoring and working to address issues as they arise. The support line hours have also been extended to better serve Albertans.

“Though there is more than adequate server space, AHS is currently working through some maintenance necessary to ensure Albertans have timely access to the MyHealthRecords by September 16.”