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
Sample Canadian vaccination certificate issued by the government of Yukon.
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 in accordance with the international SMART Health Card framework.[9][10][11]
China
China uses digital vaccine certificates for cross border travel.[12] 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.[13][14][15]
Egypt
Those who have received two doses of a vaccine receive a certificate that allows them to travel.[16] 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.[17]
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.[18]
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) [19] 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.[20]
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]
Indian CoVID-19 vaccination certificate from the state of Karnataka showing completion of 2 doses. Information is provided in English (One of the two central government's official language) and Kannada (State of Karnataka's official language).
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.[21] For those traveling abroad, an option to link their passport is available.[22]
Iran made issuing digital vaccine card mandatory for full vaccine administration.[citation needed]
Indonesia
COVID-19 vaccination certificate issued by the Indonesian government for the second dose vaccination.
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.[23] 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]
On 12 July 2021, fully vaccinated people in Ireland began receiving their EU Digital COVID Certificates via email or post.[24] 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,[25] but was also used in restaurants, hotels and bars as proof of vaccination to gain access to indoor hospitality,[26] as well as in nightclubs, indoor live entertainment, cinemas, theatres and gyms.[27] Requirements on the use of vaccine certificates domestically were scrapped in January 2022.[28]
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.[29] The vaccine record card could also be used as proof of vaccination.[30]
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.[31] In May, the Ministry extended the validity of the Green Pass until the end of the year.[32]
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.[34] 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.[35]
Philippines
Digital VaxCertPH document issued in the Philippines.
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).[37]
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.[39][40]
The first section contains identification data including ID Document Used, ID Number, First Name, Surname and Date Of Birth.[42]
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.[43]
The final section contains a card expiration date.[41]
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.[44] The ability to verify one's vaccination status was also added to the TraceTogether application in version 2.11.[45] 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.[46]
Outbound travellers who have been fully vaccinated in Singapore[47] 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.[48]
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.[49]
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.[50]
Taiwan
A COVID-19 Vaccination Record card issued in the Republic of China (Taiwan).
After inoculation, individuals receive an official yellow card like the one above that records individuals' vaccination information.[51]
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.[52] 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.[53]
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.[54]
United States
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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.[55] In October 2023, the CDC announced it would no longer be issuing COVID-19 vaccine cards.[56]
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.[57][58]
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.[59]
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.[60]
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.[61] 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.[62] Prior to this, several vendors were found selling fake vaccine cards on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon.[63]
In Russia, a black market for fake vaccine cards emerged soon after the government started requiring them for various activities.[64]
At a Dutch nightclub, clubgoers presenting the Q-codes of digital certificates belonging to others led to an outbreak that infected 160 people.[65]
Theft of authentic cards
A Chicagopharmacist 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.[66] A contractor at the Pomona Fairplex in California stole 528 blank vaccination cards and was charged with felony grand theft.[67]
The Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) is a digital platform developed by the National Department of Health of the South African government to manage the country's COVID-19 vaccination program. Enrolment is currently available for everyone over the age of 12 and the platform can also generate a digital vaccine certificate.
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Carte Jaune or Yellow Card, is an official vaccination report created by the World Health Organization (WHO). As a travel document, it is a kind of medical passport that is recognised internationally and may be required for entry to certain countries where there are increased health risks for travellers.
An immunity passport, immunity certificate, health pass or release certificate is a document, whether in paper or digital format, attesting that its bearer has a degree of immunity to a contagious disease. Public certification is an action that governments can take to mitigate an epidemic.
Vaccination requirements for international travel are the aspect of vaccination policy that concerns the movement of people across borders. Countries around the world require travellers departing to other countries, or arriving from other countries, to be vaccinated against certain infectious diseases in order to prevent epidemics. At border checks, these travellers are required to show proof of vaccination against specific diseases; the most widely used vaccination record is the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. Some countries require information about a passenger's vaccination status in a passenger locator form.
The COVID-19 vaccination program in the Philippines was a mass immunization campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in response to the pandemic in the country. The vaccination program was initiated by the Duterte administration on March 1, 2021, a day after the arrival of the country's first vaccine doses which were donated by the Chinese government.
The general COVID-19 vaccination in Australia program began on 22 February 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of vaccinating all willing people in Australia before 2022. Front-line workers and aged care staff and residents had priority for being inoculated, before a gradual phased release to less-vulnerable and lower-risk population groups throughout 2021. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved four vaccines for Australian use in 2021: the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine on 25 January, the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine on 16 February, Janssen vaccine on 25 June and the Moderna vaccine on 9 August. Although approved for use, the Janssen vaccine was not included in the Australian vaccination program as of June 2021.
The National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme, abbreviated as NIP or PICK, is a national vaccination campaign that is currently being implemented by the Malaysian government as an approach in curbing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to end the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia by successfully achieving the highest immunisation rate among its citizens and non-citizens that are residing in Malaysia. It is the largest immunisation programme implemented in the history of the country, and it is being administered by the Special Committee for Ensuring Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Supply (JKJAV) since early 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination in South Africa is an ongoing immunisation campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in response to the ongoing pandemic in the country.
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States is an ongoing mass immunization campaign for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first granted emergency use authorization to the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine on December 10, 2020, and mass vaccinations began four days later. The Moderna vaccine was granted emergency use authorization on December 17, 2020, and the Janssen vaccine was granted emergency use authorization on February 27, 2021. By April 19, 2021, all U.S. states had opened vaccine eligibility to residents aged 16 and over. On May 10, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 15. On August 23, 2021, the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for individuals aged 16 and over.
Trials to assess the effectiveness of an immunity passport scheme, also known as a COVID passport or COVID certification scheme, were confirmed by the UK government on 3 April 2021 as a way of helping to restart public events in England during the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made following much discussion and speculation about the idea by politicians and in the British media. The government announced that trials of a scheme for England would begin on 16 April, starting with a comedy evening in Liverpool.
Software for COVID-19 pandemic mitigation takes many forms. It includes mobile apps for contact tracing and notifications about infection risks, vaccine passports, software for enabling – or improving the effectiveness of – lockdowns and social distancing, Web software for the creation of related information services, and research and development software. A common issue is that few apps interoperate, reducing their effectiveness.
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Quebec is an ongoing provincial effort to distribute and administer vaccines against COVID-19.
CoWIN is an Indian government web portal for COVID-19 vaccination registration, owned and operated by India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It displays booking slots of COVID-19 vaccine available in the nearby areas and can be booked on the website. The site also provides vaccination certificates to the beneficiaries, which act as Vaccine Passports during the COVID-19 pandemic for the beneficiaries and can be stored in Digilocker. Users can access the platform via desktop, tablet, and mobile phones.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), best known in Italy as the Green Pass and in France as the Sanitary Pass or Health Pass, was a digital certificate that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, tested for infection with SARS-CoV-2, or recovered from COVID-19 created by the European Union (EU) and valid in all member states.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been enacted by numerous states and municipalities in the United States, and also by private entities. In September 2021, President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would take steps to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for certain entities under the authority of the federal government or federal agencies. Most federal mandates thus imposed were either overturned through litigation, or withdrawn by the administration, although a mandate on health care workers in institutions receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds was upheld. All federal mandates were lifted when the national emergency was declared to have ended in May 2023. A small number of states have gone in the opposite direction, through executive orders or legislation designed to limit vaccination mandates.
A vaccine passport or proof of vaccination is an immunity passport employed as a credential in countries and jurisdictions as part of efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic via vaccination. A vaccine passport is typically issued by a government or health authority, and usually consists of a digital or printed record. Some credentials may include a scannable QR code, which can also be provisioned via mobile app. It may or may not use a COVID-19 vaccine card as a basis of authentication.
My Vaccine Pass was a vaccine certificate issued by the New Zealand Government that served as an official record of one's COVID-19 vaccination status during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine pass was required to enter hospitality venues, community, sport and faith-based gatherings, as a result of the COVID-19 Protection Framework having come into effect on 3 December 2021. The passes expired on 1 June 2022.
The NZ Pass Verifier is a free mobile app developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Health for businesses and organisations to scan and verify their customers' My Vaccine Pass certificates. The app was launched on 23 November 2021 for use on smartphones.
COVID-19 vaccination mandates in Canada are the responsibility of provinces, territories, and municipalities, and in the case of federal public services and federally-regulated transportation industries, the federal government. COVID-19 vaccines are free in Canada through the public health care system. The federal government is responsible for procurement and distribution of the vaccines to provincial and territorial authorities; provincial and territorial governments are responsible for administering vaccinations to people in their respective jurisdictions. Mass vaccination efforts began across Canada on December 14, 2020. As the second vaccinations became more widely available in June 2021, Manitoba became the first province in Canada to offer a voluntary vaccine passport.
The SMART Health Card framework is an open source immunity passport program designed to store and share medical information in paper or digital form. It was initially launched as a vaccine passport during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is envisioned for use for other infectious diseases. SMART Health Cards include a QR code which can be scanned and verified using the official SMART Health Card Verifier mobile app. It was rolled out by the Vaccination Credential Initiative (VCI) based on technology developed at Boston Children's Hospital, and standards set by Health Level Seven International (HL7) and the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
1 2 3 4 5 6 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.
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