If you misplaced your proof of COVID-19 vaccination, you’re in luck.
California officials on Friday officially unveiled a digital version of the paper card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, allowing state residents who have been vaccinated to access their history electronically.
Gov. Gavin Newsom first alluded to the existence of the program in a press conference earlier this week.
To access the digital COVID-19 vaccine card, vaccinated Californians enter their name, date of birth and an email or mobile phone number associated with their vaccination record at this website.
Users then create a four-digit PIN, which is used to access a link to their record.
In addition to all of the details that are on the paper card, the digital version also contains a QR code that’s readable by a QR Scanner. State officials encouraged vaccinated Californians to screenshot their digital record once they have access.
"While (the California Department of Public Health) recommends that vaccinated Californians keep their paper CDC card in a safe and secure place, we recognize that some people might prefer an electronic version," Dr. Erica Pan, the state epidemiologist, said in a statement Friday.
"And if one of the state’s nearly 20 million vaccinated Californians misplaces their paper card, the (digital version) provides a convenient backup."
Officials said the digital version was published in collaboration with the state Departments of Public Health and Technology, as well as in consultation with "tech industry leaders," the state’s "top businesses" and "service and event purveyors" in making a system that all business sectors can use.
Newsom was asked about progress on a digital vaccine card in a San Francisco press conference on Monday, and he emphasized to reporters that "(it’s) not a passport."
"It’s not a requirement,” the governor said at the time. “It’s just the ability now to have an electronic version of that paper (card)."
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