Sunday, June 20, 2021

California Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

I previously wrote about a variety of ways that my COVID-19 vaccination could be documented. Since then, the state of California has implemented its own Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record. To access these vaccine credentials, simply fill out your name, birthday, and either the cell phone or email address that you used when you received your COVID-19 vaccine. Also set a 4-digit PIN that you’ll later be asked to re-enter to retrieve your credentials. From there, you will either receive an email or text message with a link that is valid for 24 hours. Here’s what mine looks like:


In the FAQ, it is emphasized that this digital record is not a vaccine passport. Rather, it states, “You are not required to obtain a digital COVID-19 vaccine record. It is an optional means to obtain your COVID-19 vaccine information, and is the digital version of your paper vaccine card. It is one of the options to show proof of vaccination. The State will not be implementing a mandatory passport system in California.”

In August, I will be attending a conference in which a conference-specific vaccine passport will be required for all attendees. Perhaps I will discuss vaccine passports as the date approaches.