Having a signed and dated Covid-19 vaccination card is currently the only way that you can prove you’ve been vaccinated. Unlike most important medical procedures that are handled and documented by your physician, the desperate need for vaccines created pop-up vaccination centers, and the quickest and easiest record-keeping method was the one chosen.
Proof of vaccination is required for many lines of work, for travel purposes, and in circumstances where you may encounter high-risk individuals—like senior care facilities. We don’t know how long the vaccination card will be the method of record, but for the time being, it is vital to have it and keep it safe.
Keep It Safe At Home
The cards aren’t exactly uniform, and some are too big to fit into a wallet, which can make them challenging to carry with you. Any time you bring the card with you, there is a risk of losing it or even having it stolen. When possible, we recommend leaving your card at home in a safe location.
A couple examples of potential locations include file cabinets, a home office desk drawer, or with other important identification cards like your social security card. As long as you can remember where you stored it, any location in your home is fine. That way you can leave it alone, not worry about it, and still retrieve it if needed.
But what if you need it to board an airplane or visit a high-risk relative?
Take A Picture
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that taking a picture of your vaccination card could help with accessibility. This allows you to access your card without carrying the physical copy. Along with taking a picture, you can scan your card and save it as an image or PDF. Both options serve the same purpose: to upload your card digitally and reduce the risk of losing it.
Use An Online App
If taking a picture isn’t enough, Some states, such as NY State and California, are capitalizing on digital techniques to allow easier access to vaccination cards. For example, NY State offers Excelsior Pass, a downloadable app for your phone with proof of vaccination, and California sends you a digital copy of your vaccination card along with a QR code for quick scanning.
Grab A Card Holder
After receiving the vaccination, many people opted to laminate their cards. However, this prompted experts like S. Wesley Long, Professor and Researcher at Houston Methodist University, to caution the public about laminating their cards. The simple reason is that once a card is laminated, you can’t add additional information. We don’t know if booster shots will be necessary or what other documentation may need to be added, so making the card finite isn’t the best move. 
If you’re interested in something similar to laminating but less permanent, we recommend sleeves or protectors. Along with our many badge holders and face mask lanyards, we offer a vaccination card holder that doubles as an armband for those who need their card more frequently. If you prefer to attach your card to your keychain, we offer a keychain badge id holder as well. Card holders are especially helpful if you do decide to carry the physical copy.
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Be Mindful While Traveling
With the tips mentioned above, you should have an easier time keeping track of your vaccination card. If you are planning a trip—whether you’re crossing state lines or country borders—and need to bring the physical card to prove your vaccination, be mindful of how you store it. Keep it stored in a travel bag or purse and only take it out when necessary. Digital copies, such as a picture, PDF, or phone app, are still viable options, even if you are bringing the original copy as well. If you bring the original, use a card holder to ensure that it doesn’t get torn or damaged. The key to protecting your Covid-19 vaccination card is staying mindful of where you store it and only carrying it with you if you absolutely have to.
Specialist ID has a variety of badge holders to ensure that you keep your vaccination card safe and sound when you travel!