Buzz
Amidst the ongoing debate about the necessity of national or state 'vaccine passports,' the fact remains that we already have one. It's a small piece of paper with some numbers and your name written on it. Initially designed as a personal reminder, these cards are now increasingly being used as proof of vaccination.
For example, Drexel University is among the many colleges requiring vaccination proof for enrollment in the fall 2021 semester. Their website specifies: 'You can upload your proof of vaccination (typically the card given when vaccinated) via the Drexel Health Checker app.' It’s likely that these cards will also be accepted in workplaces, conferences, and potentially for travel purposes.
It may seem odd that vaccination policies at companies and institutions rely on a simple handwritten card that could easily be forged. But that’s the reality. Usually, vaccination proof comes in the form of a letter from a healthcare provider, like the vaccine forms pediatricians give to parents enrolling their children in school. But for now, these cards are the temporary solution, especially since many of us received our vaccinations at clinics or pharmacies we don’t typically visit.
Before You Risk Losing Your Card
Alright, you have your vaccine card, but you’re concerned about potentially losing it in the future. Let’s explore the actions you can take now to safeguard it.
Start by taking a photo of the card or making a paper copy that you can store in a secure location. This ensures that you have a record of the card’s details, especially the name of the clinic or health system where you received your vaccine.
Next, make sure you have the full contact details for the facility where you got vaccinated. (If you received your vaccine at a pop-up clinic, ensure you know the organizing entity, such as a local hospital.) The provider will maintain their own vaccination records, meaning your card is not the only proof; it’s one of at least two records.
While your card is safely in hand, take the time to check the policies of any place where you might be asked to show proof of vaccination. Many are now using digital apps that allow you to submit your card once and then use the app for day-to-day verification. New York’s Excelsior Pass is one such app; other institutions, workplaces, and airlines may also have their own apps soon if they don’t already. Upload your proof of vaccination as soon as you can, so you won’t be rushing to find your card at the last minute.
Additionally, consider bringing your card (or a copy of it) to your next doctor’s visit. This way, your doctor can add your vaccination to their records as well.
In case you need a replacement card
If you happen to lose your card, reach out to the provider who administered the shot. Since they maintain their own records, they should be able to send you documentation with details about when and which vaccine you received.
If you know another provider has a record of your vaccination—such as if you brought your card to a checkup as suggested earlier—you can request the information from them rather than the original provider.
Your state’s health department may also assist you in retrieving proof of your vaccination if you can’t remember where you got it. The CDC doesn’t keep records itself, but it does offer a list of state immunization registries that you can contact. Some registries are accessible only to healthcare providers, so it might not be easy to look up your vaccine. Additionally, be aware that some states either don’t have a registry or don’t require providers to enter all vaccination data into it.
Should I Laminate My Vaccine Card?
After Staples and Office Depot announced that they would laminate vaccine cards for free, some experts began advising against laminating the cards, in case updates need to be added later on (for example, if booster shots are required next year).
However, if you do choose to laminate your card, you won’t necessarily face issues when it comes to receiving a booster shot; you might just need to manage two cards. We suggest placing your card in a badge holder, which will protect it from damage like creases and spills while still allowing you to remove it for future writing if necessary. There’s no need to carry the card with you all the time, so store it safely at home.
