More than 3.5 million Michigan residents received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to at least partial immunity to serious illnesses, they also each received a paper ticket outlining when and where they were shot. If they have been given the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, it is also noted when they should return for their second dose.
Although your COVID-19 vaccination card is not the only way to prove that you have been vaccinated, it is a good idea to stick to it as it can come in handy.
Some businesses reward customers who can submit their vaccination card. Krispy Kreme is giving away one donut a day to customers who can prove their vaccination, and Gun Lake Casino is offering a free bonus until May 20 to reward members until May 31
MLive spoke with medical and public health officials to compile a list to consider about your vaccine card.
Do: take a photo of your card
If you carry this small piece of paper, it will probably be broken and bent over time. It’s also easy to lose. Take a photo to have a copy on your phone and / or for your records.
A photo may also be useful in the future if locations or airlines require proof of vaccination.
The vaccination to travel is not a new concept when it is implemented. You need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to certain parts of Africa and South America, for example. There are 14 vaccines that the CDC needs before anyone can immigrate to the US.
Do not: post the photo online
You’ve probably seen people on your social media share selfies with their card after vaccination. Health departments do not recommend sharing your card in the photo, as it contains personal information, including your date of birth.
“We want you to post about it, we love it,” said State Health Department spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin. ‘But there are a lot of scammers out there. They were there throughout the pandemic and they were targeting those individuals. ‘
Do: Consider laminating your card after the second dose
Health officials say it’s okay to laminate your card, but they recommend waiting until after your second dose. The Pfizer and Moderna shots require two doses that are three and four weeks apart, respectively, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose for maximum effectiveness.
If a boost-shot is needed later, Sutfin said officials can always issue another card. Even if you choose to laminate your card, you should still make a copy by scanning the original or taking a photo.
Do not: Freak out if you lose it
Entry records are kept in a nationwide system. The state does not trust you to keep your hard copy as proof that you got your shots. The vaccine registry contains the same information as on your card, such as what dose you received, when you received it, and even from how many numbers the dose came.
If you lose your card, contact the provider where you shot it to get another one. If you did not receive a vaccination card at your appointment, the CDC recommends contacting your vaccination provider’s website or your health department to find out how to obtain a card.
Read more on MLive:
43% of Michigan adults received the first dose of vaccine; see numbers in your country
As Michigan restores restaurant restorations, the industry is back at 84% of pre-pandemic levels
Coronavirus data in Michigan for Friday, April 16: Oceana, Mason counties move into top 10 for new cases
Whitmer urges antibody therapy to take place as the COVID-19 boom continues in Michigan