COVID-19 vaccine card
A COVID-19 vaccine card is a record often given to those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine showing information such as the date(s) one has received the shot(s) and the brand of vaccine one has received, sometimes including the lot number. The card also contains information identifying the recipient and the location where the shot was given. Depending on the country, it could serve as an official document verifying one has received vaccination, which could be required by some institutions, such as a school or workplace, when boarding a cruise ship, or when crossing an international border, as proof that one has been vaccinated.
Some countries issue digital records while others issue paper records. In some European Union member states, citizens might choose to have a digital record, a piece of paper, or both.[1]
By country
Australia
In Australia, vaccine providers are required to report to the Australian Immunisation Register no later than 10 days after a vaccination is given. People who have been vaccinated can either access a digital record of vaccination on a smartphone, or request a paper copy of their vaccination record.[2]
Austria
In October 2021, Austria has emitted 43.058.575 out of 591.728.344 EU Digital COVID Certificate emitted within the EEA.[3]
Brazil
In December 2020, the Brazilian senate approved digital cards.[4]
Canada
In Canada, vaccination certificates are issued by the health authorities of each province and territory.[5] Vaccine certificate/passport systems were introduced in the provinces of British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec starting in September 2021.[6][7][8]
Since October 2021, all vaccination certificates follow a single national design standard, and include a QR Code for validation.[9]
China
China uses digital vaccine certificates for cross border travel.[10] Launched in March 2021, the system uses QR codes that show the individual's vaccination status as well as RT-PCR test and Rapid antigen test results and is built atop Tencent's WeChat platform. Prior to this, QR health codes were required for public transport and access to public spaces in the country. The platform also allows for digital contact tracing and shows a green code for users who have not been in contact with infected people. The system has sparked concerns over government surveillance and privacy of users.[11][12][13]
Egypt
Those who have received two doses of a vaccine receive a certificate that allows them to travel.[14] Vaccinated users can either receive a vaccine card or register online after receiving both doses to get a certificate. In October 2021, the government announced the launch of a mobile app that would enable the verification of an individual's vaccination status using a QR code instead of carrying a certificate.[15]
France
Vaccine certificates in France are issued with a QR code — an EU Digital COVID Certificate — scanned onto the country's contact tracing app, TousAntiCovid. The app, which can also scan the QR Code of a test result, allows those vaccinated to show their vaccination status on their smartphone.[16]
In October 2021, France has emitted 136.901.354 out of 591.728.344 EU Digital COVID Certificate emitted within the EEA.[3]
For vaccine certificates, there are 72 186 091 French vaccine certificate for 437 509 564 EU ones (that is 16%).[3]
Germany
In Germany vaccination is documented in the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, commonly known as "gelber Impfpass" (yellow vaccination passport) [17] The EU Digital COVID Certificate is also available, and officially recognized. It is regularly issued since July 1, 2021 in vaccination centers for people receiving their vaccination and in pharmacies for those who were vaccinated before July.[18]
In October 2021, Germany has emitted 123.254.466 out of 591.728.344 EU Digital COVID Certificate emitted within the EEA.[3]
For vaccine certificates, there are 119.750.418 German vaccine certificates for 437 509 564 EU ones (that is 27%).[3]
India
In India, once a person receives a dose of vaccine, a digital certificate is issued that can either be downloaded from the CoWIN web portal, from the UMANG mobile app, from the Aarogya Setu mobile app or it can directly be downloaded on to citizen's digital document wallet Digilocker. A provisional certificate is issued after the first dose, which contains the vaccinated person's personal details, the vaccine used, the vaccinator's name, and the window for the next dose. A final certificate is issued after the second dose.[19] For those traveling abroad, an option to link their passport is available.[20]
Iran
Iran made issuing digital vaccine card mandatory for full vaccine administration.[citation needed]
Indonesia
In Indonesia, every person who have received at least a dose of vaccine will receive a vaccine card and vaccination certificate which can be downloaded from PeduliLindungi mobile app.[21] Vaccination card contains the vaccinated person's personal details, the vaccine used, the vaccinator's name, the batch number of the vaccine used, and the window for the next dose.[citation needed]
Ireland
On 12 July 2021, fully vaccinated people in Ireland began receiving their EU Digital COVID Certificates via email or post.[22] The EU Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland was initially used for international travel as restrictions into and out of the country eased from 19 July,[23] but was also used in restaurants, hotels and bars as proof of vaccination to gain access to indoor hospitality,[24] as well as in nightclubs, indoor live entertainment, cinemas, theatres and gyms.[25] Requirements on the use of vaccine certificates domestically were scrapped in January 2022.[26]
The Health Service Executive (HSE) issues a vaccine record card to those receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in Ireland that provides reminders for a follow-up appointment. The card contains the recipient's name, the dates on which the two doses were administered, the name of the vaccine, and its batch number.[27] The vaccine record card could also be used as proof of vaccination.[28]
Israel
In February 2021, Israel rolled out its Green Pass system for those who had completed a week after taking their second dose of the vaccine or those who had recovered from the virus and were ineligible to take the vaccine. The Green Pass is issued by the Ministry of Health. It is a secure digital certificate that is required to enter certain crowded areas such as restaurants, gyms, theatres, and synagogues that have registered themselves as part of the system. A vaccinated person has to either download the app or use the website to download the certificate. A QR Code is provided to allow the pass to be verified. When launched, the pass was valid for six months from the date of the second dose of the vaccine.[29] In May, the Ministry extended the validity of the Green Pass until the end of the year.[30]
Italy
Italy uses the EU Digital COVID Certificate, which is also referred to as the Green Pass.[31]
In October 2021, Italy has emitted 97.058.162 out of 591.728.344 EU Digital COVID Certificate emitted within the EEA.[3]
New Zealand
Under the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 Protection Framework, a vaccine pass may be required for access to some non-essential venues such as restaurants, sports centres, and faith-based gatherings.[32] The pass contains an individual's name, date of birth, and a QR code. Some venues may choose to check the name on the pass with the individual's photo ID, but this is not required by law.[33]
Philippines
Upon being vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine, the local government unit (LGU) or recognized private healthcare providers issue a vaccine card that shall act as proof of vaccination. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is presently working with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) for a centralized registry for COVID-19 vaccinated residents under a common digital vaccine ID that shall feature a unique QR code and a person's photograph.[34]
Since 2021, the Bureau of Quarantine of the Philippines has updated the existing International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) that shall include information for being vaccinated from COVID-19 and currently being issued to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and residents going on international travel. The new ICV contains a unique QR code, which allows the verification of the authenticity of the said certificate. At presently, the ICV can only be issued to Filipino citizens and residents who have been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine listed under the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by the World Health Organization (WHO).[35]
South Africa
Current South African COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards Contain Identification information and provision for 3 doses of vaccines.[36]
The eVaccine Card or Digital Vaccine Certificates can be assessed at https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/
The Digital Certificate has the Department of Health Logo at the top with a QR Code on the right intended to be used in the future, said to be available by the end of 2021.[37][38]
There 3 sections to the Certificate.[39]
The first section contains identification data including ID Document Used, ID Number, First Name, Surname and Date Of Birth.[40]
The second section contains vaccine dose information as in Vaccine Received, Vaccine Date and Proof of vaccination code. This will be on there twice if the individual has received more than one dose.[41]
The final section contains a card expiration date.[39]
South Korea
Those traveling to South Korea do not require a vaccine certification.[42]
Singapore
After receiving each vaccination dose, an individual will be provided a physical vaccination card that certifies an individual's vaccination status. This information is also recorded on the National Immunisation Registry and is viewable through the Ministry of Health's HealthHub application.[43] The ability to verify one's vaccination status was also added to the TraceTogether application in version 2.11.[44] TraceTogether is used to verify one's vaccination status when entering businesses, and for contact tracing purposes. From 26 April 2022 onwards, there is no need to verify one's vaccination status using the TraceTogether application when entering businesses, unless at large events or at certain nightlife establishments.[45]
Outbound travellers who have been fully vaccinated in Singapore[46] can also obtain a Vaccination HealthCert, which is a digitally verifiable proof of vaccination. When required, foreign authorities can use the QR codes in the Vaccination HealthCert to verify that it has not been tampered with.[47]
Sweden
As of the 24th of August, the Swedish government have discussed implementing a vaccine card, restricting access to music and culture events to people with two vaccine doses.[48]
Switzerland
Digital and hard copy versions of COVID-19 vaccine cards are issued by the respective cantons upon full vaccination. The federal government provides an app and registration site, as well as QR coded documents for immunised Swiss residents. Such certification is valid for 365 days and must be provided upon entering certain premises and/or for international travel. So far, Switzerland has fully adhered to EU protocols, and digital EU vaccine certificates are approved in Switzerland, as are some of the Asian vaccines for certain travelers.[49]
Taiwan
After inoculation, individuals receive an official yellow card like the one above that records individuals' vaccination information.[50]
United Kingdom
Those receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in the United Kingdom (except Scotland) are given a card the size of a credit card that provides reminders for a follow-up appointment. The card contains the recipient's name, the dates on which the two doses were administered, the name of the vaccine, and its batch number.[51] Vaccinated people looking to travel abroad can take a printout of their certificate from the website of the National Health Service (NHS). The QR Code present on the vaccination certificate can be used to store the details on a smartphone app.[52]
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in July 2021 that once all adults have received their second dose of the vaccine, vaccine cards would be mandatory to gain access to crowded places such as nightclubs.[53]
United States
Those who receive their vaccination in the United States are given a card with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) logos that records their name, the date of each dose, and the brand of the vaccine they have received.[54]
Some states provide a digital record of vaccination to their residents, using a QR code that can be verified with a scanner app. New York has the Excelsior Pass which also records the results of COVID-19 tests while California has the California Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record.[55][56]
Issues
Posting on social media
Many vaccine recipients have posted pictures of their vaccine cards on social media. This risks the exposure of personal information that is unsafe to share with the public.[57]
Forgery
Fake vaccine cards have been sold on the Internet. Sales of these cards have increased substantially since some businesses started requiring proof of vaccination to gain entry. Existing laws prohibit the sale and use of these forgeries.[58]
In September 2021, a woman in the United States was arrested for using a fake vaccine card to bypass mandatory vaccination requirements. The arrest was made after it came to light that the card said Maderna instead of Moderna in the vaccine name.[59] The same month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 6,000 counterfeit vaccine cards across the country with two mail packages in Pittsburgh originating from China.[60] Prior to this, several vendors were found selling fake vaccine cards on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.[61]
In Russia, a black market for fake vaccine cards emerged soon after the government started requiring them for various activities.[62]
At a Dutch nightclub, clubgoers presenting the Q-codes of digital certificates belonging to others led to an outbreak that infected 160 people.[63]
Theft of authentic cards
A Chicago pharmacist sold 125 authentic vaccination cards online to 11 different buyers and was charged with 12 counts of theft of government property, with a potential sentence of ten years in prison for each count.[64] A contractor at the Pomona Fairplex in California stole 528 blank vaccination cards and was charged with felony grand theft.[65]
See also
References
- ^ Dada, Sara; Battles, Heather; Pilbeam, Caitlin; Singh, Bhagteshwar; Solomon, Tom; Gobat, Nina (2021-09-27). "Learning from the past & present: social science implications for COVID-19 immunity-based documentation". Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. 8 (1): 1–9. doi:10.1057/s41599-021-00898-4. ISSN 2662-9992.
- ^ Barbaschow, Asha. "COVID-19 vaccine digital certificate coming this week for Australians". ZDNet.
- ^ a b c d e f ANNEXES to the Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council pursuant to Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ^ "Brazilian Senate approves new, digital vaccination card". The Brazilian Report. December 16, 2020.
- ^ Aiello, Rachel (21 October 2021). "Feds say provinces will issue 'standardized' proof of vaccination for travel". CTV News. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ Health (2021-08-23). "B.C. launches proof of vaccination to stop spread of COVID-19 | BC Gov News". Retrieved 2021-08-25.
- ^ "Province of Manitoba | News Releases | Manitoba Expands Vaccine Passports for Fully Immunized Individuals as of Sept. 3". Province of Manitoba.
- ^ "Quebecers can download the vaccine passport app ahead of Sept. 1 launch". CTV News Montreal. August 24, 2021.
- ^ Osman, Laura (21 October 2021). "Feds, provinces agree on vaccine passport for domestic, international travel: PM". CP24. The Canadian Press. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
- ^ Reuters Staff (March 9, 2021). "China launches COVID-19 vaccination certificates for cross-border travel". Reuters – via www.reuters.com.
{{cite news}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ Pinghui, Zhuang (9 March 2021). "China launches digital health certificates for overseas travel". South China Morning Post. Beijing. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "China launches virus passport amid Covid pandemic - Times of India". The Times of India. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "QR codes, health passports: China's tech arsenal against a pandemic". The Economic Times. 11 March 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "Vaccinated Egyptians to receive coronavirus vaccination certificate for travel". May 18, 2021.
- ^ "Egypt's government to launch new app to verify receiving Covid-19 vaccine". EgyptToday. 18 October 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- ^ "France's new vaccination certificates 'first step' towards health passport". The Local. 4 May 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "What you need to know about Germany's "Impfpass" vaccination record". IamExpat.
- ^ "Fragen und Antworten zum digitalen Impfnachweis". German Ministry of Health (in German). 5 August 2021.
- ^ "Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate: Here's how to download it from CoWin portal, Aarogya Setu app". The Financial Express. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Explained: How to link your passport and Covid-19 vaccine certificate; a step-by-step guide". The Indian Express. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ "Cara Download Sertifikat Vaksin Covid-19 di PeduliLindungi". KOMPAS.com (in Indonesian). 2021-09-03. Retrieved 2021-09-04.
- ^ Libreri, Samantha (12 July 2021). "EU Covid Digital Certs being issued to vaccinated people". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ O'Riordan, Ellen (19 July 2021). "'So far, so good': Passengers return to Dublin Airport as travel restrictions are eased". The Irish Times. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ Wilson, Jade (26 July 2021). "'Day of relief' as indoor hospitality reopens after some venues have been closed almost 500 days". The Irish Times. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ . citizensinformation.ie. 3 January 2022. Archived from the original on 3 January 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
- ^ Horgan-Jones, Jack; McQuinn, Cormac; Clarke, Vivienne (21 January 2022). "'Time to be ourselves again': Taoiseach confirms end to almost all Covid-19 restrictions". The Irish Times. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
- ^ Carswell, Simon (17 April 2021). "Give me a crash course in . . . proof of Covid-19 vaccination". The Irish Times. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ "Vaccination card also permitted for indoor dining – Varadkar". Irish Independent. 30 July 2021. Retrieved 19 August 2021.
- ^ Jaffe-Hoffman, Maayan (28 February 2021). "Everything you need to know about Israel's green passport program". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ "Israel issues new proof-of-vaccine, recovery documents valid until end of 2021". Times of Israel. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
- ^ "FAQ". Italy Green Pass.
- ^ "When you need a My Vaccine Pass". Unite against COVID-19. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ Reeve, Dylan (2021-12-03). "Inside the emerging black market for vaccine passes". The Spinoff. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ Geducos, Argyll Cyrus (27 June 2021). "DICT working on digital vaccination ID card". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ Geducos, Argyll Cyrus (8 August 2021). "Traveling abroad after the lockdown? Here's how to get an International Vaccine Certificate". ANC-X. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ "South Africans can now access their Covid-19 vaccination certificate digitally". The Mail & Guardian. 2021-10-08. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ Laldas, Jyothi (14 October 2021). "SA vaccine certificates go digital". Witness. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ "SA to introduce digital vaccine certificates as early as next week - health minister". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ a b "Vaccine certificate site off to a shaky start – govt will resend all EVDS codes to help". BusinessInsider. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ "Vaccine certificate: Here's how to get yours". Moneyweb. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
- ^ News, S. A. "South Africa is getting an updated vaccine certificate at the end of October – here are 9 other things to know". Retrieved 2021-10-17.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Vaccinations Required and COVID Immunity Certificate to Travel to South Korea". July 5, 2019.
- ^ "MOH | News Highlights". www.moh.gov.sg. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ "Updated TraceTogether app shows vaccination, test statuses on SafeEntry check-in for quicker entry". The New Paper. 2021-11-11. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ "MOH | News Highlights". www.moh.gov.sg. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ "Who can obtain a Vaccination HealthCert?". Notarise. 9 May 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Do I need to obtain a Vaccination HealthCert for travel?". Notarise. 9 May 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Musikbranschen välkomnar vaccinpass på konserter". SVT Nyheter (in Swedish). 2021-08-24. Retrieved 2021-08-24.
- ^ Coronavirus: where and how to get a COVID certificate and how long it is valid. BAG Schweiz. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ "附件8-COVID-19疫苗接種紀錄卡.pdf". www.cdc.gov.tw.
- ^ Woodyatt, Amy; Kennedy, Niamh. "This is what the UK's Covid-19 vaccination cards will look like". CNN.
- ^ "REVEALED: How to get France's health pass using the UK's NHS Covid pass". The Local. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Covid vaccine certificates to be compulsory for crowded venues in England". The Guardian. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ Elliott, Christopher (2 April 2021). "Vaccine passports: How to prove you've gotten your COVID-19 shots for travel and avoid scams". USA TODAY. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
- ^ Otterman, Sharon (1 June 2021). "Will the Excelsior Pass, New York's Vaccine Passport, Catch On?". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ Lee, Bruce Y. (20 June 2021). "California Now Has A Digital Covid-19 Vaccine Record System". Forbes. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
- ^ Samantha Murphy Kelly (March 18, 2021). "Seriously, stop sharing your vaccine cards on social media". cnn.com. CNN Business. from the original on July 11, 2021.
- ^ "Fake Vaccine Cards: Warnings Issued as CDC Guidelines Change". WMAQ-TV. May 21, 2021. from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ Lee, Bruce Y. (1 September 2021). "Fake Covid-19 Vaccine Card Said 'Maderna' Instead Of Moderna, Leads To Arrest In Hawaii". Forbes. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ^ Crist, Carolyn (18 September 2021). "More Than 6,000 Fake Vaccine Cards Seized by U.S. Customs". WebMD. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ^ Diaz, Jaclyn (8 June 2021). "Fake COVID Vaccine Cards Are Being Sold Online. Using One Is A Crime". NPR. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
- ^ Khurshudyan, Isabelle (June 27, 2021). "Now booming on Moscow's black market: Fake vaccine certificates". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ Nadeau, Barbie Latza (July 5, 2021). "'COVID-Free' Dance Party Infects 160+ Revelers". The Daily Beast – via www.thedailybeast.com.
- ^ Office of Public Affairs (August 17, 2021). "Pharmacist Arrested for Selling COVID Vaccination Cards Online". Department of Justice. from the original on August 19, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
- ^ Fieldstadt, Elisha (June 10, 2021). "Covid-19 vaccination site worker accused of stealing more than 500 blank vaccine cards". NBC News. from the original on July 6, 2021. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
External links
- Media related to COVID-19 vaccination cards at Wikimedia Commons