A very 2021 problem: what the heck do you do with your COVID-19 vaccine card? In some areas it is now crucial to find a safe way to carry your proof of vaccination for entry. Yet it’s still just a piece of paper. A piece of paper that doesn’t easily fit into a wallet without getting damaged.

How to Keep Vaccine Information Virtually

The easiest way to keep your vaccination information handy is to take a picture of the front and back. You can store it in your favorite photo app, like Google Photos. Of course, there is no additional security in this beyond what you have set up for your Google (or other) account. Additionally, a business or event you are trying to enter may not accept this as proof, as it is relatively easy to fake.

You can also store it in the digital wallet on your phone. An website called VaxYes is one way to do this. You enter your phone number on the site and then upload an image of your vaccination card. In return, you get a digital certificate that can be stored on your phone.

For travel-friendly options, the CLEAR app, popularly known for airport security, has a new Health Pass feature where you can store your vaccination information. For storing vaccination or COVID test results, there are additional app options like CommonPass and Verifly, preferred by many airlines. Like any new product space, it may take a while for a few key players to become widely used.

Different States in Different States?

Like many things in the United States, we have a patchwork of different systems and regulations across the country. This PCMag article quoted below has an excellent state-by-state list of the status of digital vaccination records.

In some states, lawmakers and governors have moved to ban so-called vaccine passports. In those that have them, some let you store a digital copy of your card in the app, some give you a digital copy that you can save in other apps, and some give you access to a record that says you’re vaccinated, which may or may not be accepted by a venue or workplace. Regulations that affect digital records change frequently.

PCMag, September 24, 2021

One of the most ubiquitous statewide apps called IRMobile is temporarily pausing its service as it works to get recognized as a valid issuer.

If you have access to a SMART Health Card, you can also add it to an Apple or Google Pay wallet. These are currently issued by California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Virginia, and Washington along with some pharmacies and healthcare providers. Review the list in the initial link to see if you have access to one.

Don’t Share Your Card on Social Media!

While it can be tempting to share your joy of being vaccinated online, it could give fraudsters unwanted information about you. It’s easy to become desensitized to this risk, as so much of our lives are lived on social media these days.

An unedited vaccination card can contain your name, birthdate, medical record number, and the general area where you live. This could be enough information for a scammer to impersonate you to your healthcare company. They could also phish you with a tempting email referencing your vaccination date and site. Why make a criminal’s job any easier by making yourself an obvious target?

Think of it this way — identity theft works like a puzzle, made up of pieces of personal information. You don’t want to give identity thieves the pieces they need to finish the picture.

FTC, February 5, 2021 – Social media is no place for COVID-19 vaccination cards

Be More Secure Tip >

To sum up, store your vaccination card and/or information on your phone in whatever way works best for you. Leave the physical card at home in a safe place. And never share an unedited picture of your vaccination or any other personal identity card on social media!