Many of us who read social media routinely have witnessed the very proud posts of friends and family who displayed their post-vaccine stickers or COVID-19 vaccination cards. These proud testaments may have helped encourage others to schedule their vaccine appointment, but should photos of our vaccine cards be shared on social media?
The popular new posting trend poses the question: Now what do we do with the card and how accessible should it be? The cards include the date, location and which COVID-19 vaccine the person received. Patients should be made aware of the following reminders in managing their COVID vaccine health information. The following covers frequently asked questions and concerns.
Do these to protect your vaccine information
DO: Protect your personal information
- Be proud.
- Take a photocopy of just your card to keep securely with your important health info.
- Take a cell phone copy to keep securely on your phone, in case the original copy is misplaced. This also allows you to have it easily accessible.
- Let your doctors’ offices know that you have been vaccinated; when; which vaccine, etc.
DON’T: Post a “selfie” of you with your card to post to social media. If you take a “selfie” with your vaccine card, keep it confidential. Counterfeit cards are easy to make, or someone could pretend to be you and copy the card – like stealing someone’s identify for credit cards or other financial information.
DO: Correct any information that is wrong
If the patient is aware of an error, anywhere on the card, they should return as soon as possible to the location of the vaccine to have the information corrected.
DO: Protect the card – BUT avoid laminating the card
If the card is kept in a wallet, be sure to slip the vaccine card in a sturdy plastic sleeve. Many pharmacies and physician offices are using these marketing tool ideas to give to patients to remind patients of contact information. A plastic sandwich bag should suffice to keep the card dry and clean, but a sturdy cardboard should be used to keep the card from developing frayed edges, or wrinkles.
DON’T: Laminating the card is not a good idea. This may not be the last time you need to add to the card – there may be future boosters, another vaccine for future years, etc.
DO: Promptly replace a lost card
A card can be replaced with the assistance of your photocopy or cell phone photo – but it is difficult and time consuming to recreate. The photo taken of your card can be helpful and may expedite the process, especially if the vaccine was received at a temporary or “pop up” vaccine location such as at a church or school site.
DON’T: Delay the process – instead make it a priority to gather information to verify your information and obtain a replacement. The process may be difficult depending on your vaccine location and access. It is best to be proactive as soon as you know you need a replacement card.
DO: Share your vaccination status with all your physicians
Sharing vaccine details with all your physicians helps to confirm your electronic medical record is up to date and accurate. This information may assist in replacing a card, or confirming vaccine information, in case need