Vaccination cards
What’s a COVID-19 vaccination card and why should I keep it?
Over 2.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have already been given to Washingtonians. Even if you haven’t gotten one yet, you may have already seen pictures of a “vaccination card” on the news or social media. So, what is this card, and what should you do with it once you get it?
In December, providers across the country began delivering COVID-19 vaccinations from Pfizer and Moderna. And in March, the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for emergency use. This means we now have three COVID-19 vaccines available to beat this virus.
For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, you need two doses from COVID-19. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.
When you get a vaccination, you should receive a vaccination record card. This card is not only proof that you got your shot, but it can also help you keep track of your vaccine information. This information is important to ensure you get the correct second dose — at the right time.
Your vaccine record card will tell you:
- Which type of vaccine you received (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson)
- When you got your first dose
- When to go back for your second dose (if needed)
- Your vaccine provider’s name or clinic site
Knowing your vaccine details can help you plan ahead for your second dose. If your provider didn’t schedule a second dose appointment, try to make one as soon as you can. When you make your appointment, you will need to know which vaccine you got the first time, and when. Keep your card handy when you make your second appointment. This will make sure you schedule the right dose at the right time. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the date you need to go back. If you need to, you can also start planning transportation or time off work for your second dose.
When it’s time for your second dose, remember to take your vaccine card with you! Your provider will update it with the new information. This is proof that you got both of your doses.
Keep your vaccine record card safe
Your vaccine record card has all your important vaccine information in one place. It can help you and your doctor remember which vaccine you got, and when. Since COVID-19 is still evolving with different variants, this information might be important in case we need booster shots in the future. So, make sure to keep your card somewhere safe. You might want to keep it in your wallet so that it is always with you. And for a backup, you can also use your smartphone to take a photo of the front and back of the card.
Don’t share your card on social media
Getting the vaccine is an exciting step! When you get it, you might want to tell everyone — and you can. But don’t share photos of your vaccine record card or post it on social media. Your card has personal information on it that scammers can use to steal your identity. When you want to tell the world you got your shot, try sharing a photo of your COVID-19 vaccine sticker, or one of you at the site.
Save your vaccination records
DOH has an immunization registry known as My Immunization Registry (MyIR). If you lose your record card, you can log in to view your vaccination records. If you need to sign up for an account, you can sign up here anytime.
Getting the vaccine to everyone that wants one is a massive effort. Keeping your vaccine information handy helps make this process easier for everyone. So remember to hold on to your vaccination record card. And if it’s not your turn yet, thanks for waiting patiently! If you want to learn more about the vaccine, visit here.
More information
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org. Check the vaccine locator tool to find out if it’s your turn for the vaccine and see a list of places where you can get it. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
