This archive report was first published on 21 June 2021.
California's Digital Vaccine Cards: What You Need to Know ¶
California has introduced digital vaccine cards, a free tool for residents to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. The digital record is accessible through a website and does not require a separate app.
According to Dr. Erica Pan, the state's top epidemiologist, the digital record is a backup for residents who may misplace their paper vaccine card. 'The odds are someone is going to misplace their paper vaccine card,' she said. 'This is a backup.'
The digital vaccine card is linked to the state's immunization registry and can be accessed by plugging in your name, birthday, and contact information. Once you access the card, you can digitally carry the same information that's on your paper record, plus a QR code that you can screenshot and save.
State officials have emphasized that the digital vaccine card is not a vaccine passport and that businesses do not have to ask for it. Residents can still use their paper vaccine card if they want.
California's digital vaccine card is part of a broader effort to make it easier for residents to access their health records while keeping that information safe. The state's vaccine records have been created according to an open-source SMART Health Card framework developed by the Vaccine Credential Initiative.
For more information, you can visit the state's website at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
