COVID-19: How to ask someone’s vaccine status

It’s an awkward thing to even think about doing: asking if someone is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or not. However, it’s something that is completely necessary in some personal situations at the present time.

“Over the coming months, as we engage with colleagues in person, interact with people who care for our kids and loved ones, or cross paths with more and more people every day, we will have to navigate the murky social minefield of inquiring about someone’s COVID-19 vaccine status,” notes Sharon Bishop, Director of Organizational Culture for Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Knowing who is and who is not vaccinated for COVID-19 isn’t being nosey – it’s necessary for the safety of yourself and others during daily activities.

“Some may think you’re being disrespectful, intruding on their personal health matters,” Bishop said, “but vaccine disclosure is part of pandemic decorum. It’s likely to be a bit awkward, but we have to normalize it.”

To help, here are a few social etiquette and conversation starters you may want to consider:

• Bluntly asking for someone’s vaccination status can create tension. Instead tread delicately and invite people into a conversation – “I’m vaccinated.  I’m going to continue masking because I’m unsure about others,” or perhaps “What are your thoughts on vaccination?"  This opens the conversation for others to share their vaccine status.
• Be clear on why you are asking the question and what you plan to do with the answer –asking the person in front of you in the checkout line is likely not appropriate but asking someone caring for your child is.
• If someone declines disclosing their vaccine status or expresses discomfort in doing so, it’s best to back off and not engage in debate.
• If you are inviting people into your home, it is wise to be clear upfront about your vaccine preferences and ask guests politely to accommodate them.

It’s unfortunate that when other people are not vaccinated, they do put the health of others at risk, but being rude or yelling is not going to help you, and it’s not going to help them. Taking a respectful and compassionate approach is the most effective.

Entering a space where there is a mix of vaccinated and potentially unvaccinated people comes with risks, even for those who are vaccinated. If there is any uncertainty about someone's vaccine status, it is best practice to assume they're not and protect yourself through masking and maintaining physical distancing.