The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by the federal government has ceased, leading to the discontinuation of printing the well-known little white vaccine cards by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (source). Although this change is not anticipated to have a major impact, experts suggest that we are unlikely to return to a time when COVID vaccine cards served as IDs for various activities. Let’s explore what these experts have said about the significance of COVID vaccine cards.
Do COVID vaccine cards matter?
Dr. David Buchholz, the senior founding medical director of Columbia Primary Care and assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University, believes that COVID vaccine cards are no longer important (source). According to him, nobody asks for COVID vaccine cards anymore to gain entry into public places. Additionally, because COVID-19 is no longer a new virus, there will likely be a yearly expectation for boosters, making it unnecessary to present vaccine cards to anyone other than healthcare providers.
Who might still need to show proof of vaccination?
However, some groups, particularly those in healthcare, will still require proof of vaccination. Buchholz explains that similar to the requirement for annual flu shots, individuals who need to provide proof of flu vaccination will also need to demonstrate COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, people residing or working in communal living settings like nursing homes or college dorms may need to present immunization proof, although policies can vary by location and institution.
According to Dr. Dean Winslow, a professor of medicine and an infectious disease specialist at Stanford Health Care, vaccine mandates exist beyond COVID-19. He highlights that many infectious diseases already require vaccination for school attendance. Thus, maintaining comprehensive vaccination records is beneficial for everyone.
Parents need not hold onto their child’s original COVID vaccine card as pediatricians can typically provide the necessary proof of vaccination for schools or summer camps. As Buchholz points out, COVID-19 vaccination records can be documented along with other vaccines, making it unnecessary to retain the card.
So what should I do with my card?
It is no longer essential to carry your vaccine card daily, but it shouldn’t be discarded. Buchholz suggests keeping it in a safe place, similar to important documents like your Social Security card and passport. Additionally, it is recommended to provide a copy of your card to your primary care provider and retain one for yourself.
Winslow suggests taking a photo of your vaccine card and storing it on your phone for easy access. This method eliminates the need to carry a physical card.
What if I’ve lost it?
If you have misplaced your COVID vaccination card, there’s no need to panic. Buchholz advises against getting a new one unless required for proof. While the CDC cannot assist you in obtaining a replacement, reaching out to your doctor’s office or the pharmacy where you received the vaccine may yield alternative forms of digital or paper verification.
Buchholz suggests that getting a booster shot could be an easy way to obtain proof of vaccination. Doctors and pharmacies typically provide a written record of the vaccines administered during your visit.
This article was originally published on Aug. 2, 2023, and has been updated.
