The state launched a "Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record" on Friday.
People can sign up by logging onto myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. Users should enter their name, birthday, email, phone number and create a 4-digit pin.
After creating an account, users will be sent a digital version of their vaccination record. It will have all the same information currently found on the paper CDC vaccination card.
The Department of Public Health will also issue a QR code that can be scanned to prove vaccination status for travel or entering an event that requires vaccination.
"While CDPH 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," said California epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan in a press release. "And if one of the state's nearly 20 million vaccinated Californians misplaces their paper card, the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record provides a convenient backup."
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the digital vaccine records at a San Francisco event earlier in the week. Newsom was clear it should not be considered a "vaccine passport."
"It's not a passport, it's not a requirement, it's just the ability now to have an electronic version of that paper version," he said.
Nationally, there is no requirement for a so-called vaccine passport, and it is unlikely there will be such a requirement, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
In an interview with the Politico Dispatch podcast, Dr. Fauci said "I doubt that the federal government will be the main mover of a vaccine passport concept. They may be involved in making sure things are done fairly and equitably, but I doubt if the federal government is going to be the leading element of that."
