Vaccine passport app leaves seniors worried
Posted August 30, 2021 7:36 pm.
Last Updated August 30, 2021 8:42 pm.
MONTREAL (CityNews) – In just two days, Quebec’s vaccination passport will come into effect.
Only those 13 and up who are fully vaccinated will be able to access certain non-essential services by showing proof of vaccination. But for some, including seniors getting onto the system, has been a setback and many have come for help at vaccination centers.
“I’m technologically challenged, so I come here and hopefully very helpful to get me what I need to get so I can have enough to go to restaurants,” said Vivian Silver, seeking help with the QR code.
“Just the terminology sometimes is a concern for seniors. Not terminology we were ever raised with. Some of us never even had a phone,” explained Ruth Pelletier, founder and event organizer with Seniors Action Quebec.
The vaccine passport will be applied as of Wednesday with a two-week grace period in places like festivals, gyms, sports venues, theatres, restaurants, bars and even patios.
The app for the vaccine passport ‘Vaxi Code’ has been available on iPhones for the last week and is expected to be available on android phones Monday.
“If you don’t have the apps by that time, just show your QR code,” explained Christian Dube, Quebec Health Minister. “You don’t need the app, it’s easier since it’s in a wallet. If you don’t have time to load the app you can still show the QR code on a piece of paper.”
The QR code can be downloaded and printed by going on the province’s vaccine-proof portal.
Public health set up two help centers at Decarie Square and Parc Extension vaccination centers in Montreal for people unable to get their QR codes on their own.
Some however think more guidance should be in place directly for seniors who aren’t up to speed on technology.
“So, if you’re telling someone to take their phone and scan a code on a piece of paper, do they really know what that means?” asked Pelletier. “Seniors Action Quebec, how they can get information out to seniors? Perhaps a tip sheet organizations have a newsletter, to make it as easy as possible and help them to relax.”
