ATLANTA (CNN) – Eligibility for vaccines in the U.S. is expanding rapidly, as is the popularity of the small white card from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Although plans to establish a standardized vaccination trial are still being developed, many are maintaining their Covid-19 vaccination cards as a potential form of social currency.
And companies, like Staples and Office Depot, are offering to help keep them safe with free lamination.
While it may be tempting to laminate your vaccination card as soon as possible, you should take your time and consider a few things in advance.
Here’s what you should know about laminating your coveted vaccine card.
Double check your information
If you are receiving a two-dose vaccine, be sure to receive and document both doses on your card before laminating it.
Double-check all of your information – including your name, date of birth and the date and location of the vaccine – to see the accuracy.
Make sure you have a backup
You should definitely create a backup of your card before laminating it.
Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of public health at George Washington University, told CNN that she recommends taking a photo of the card after each dose.
“Take a picture after taking the first picture, after the second too, in case you lose your physical card,” she said. “Keep the photo on your phone and send a copy to you via email, for security.”
Wen said he also recommends photocopying the card and keeping it in the same place as other important documents, such as the birth certificate.
After that, if you want to laminate your card, Wen says to “go ahead”.
Know what to do if your card is damaged or lost
There are concerns that the lamination process may damage the cards, staining the ink or making it unreadable.
But even if your card is damaged in the lamination process, there are options.
In the event of damage or loss of your card, you will need to contact the vaccine supplier to obtain another one.
If you have trouble contacting your provider, you can visit the CDC directory of your state health department’s immunization information systems (IIS).
Although the CDC itself does not have information on the vaccination record, providers are required to report vaccinations to the respective IIS or state registry. Contact the phone number or email address listed in your state to access your registration and obtain your new card.
Proof is the most important thing – laminated or not
Some fear that laminating their vaccine cards could cause problems in the future if Covid-19 booster vaccines are needed.
Even so, Wen says don’t worry.
“If you end up getting a backup later, you can always get a different card,” she said. “I would not allow this to be an impediment.”
Ultimately, what beats everything is the proof – laminated or not.
“Lamination is not necessary if you follow all of the other steps above as well,” said Wen. “The key is to have the vaccination voucher easily accessible”.
As long as you have your card, you are in a good place. Just remember not to share on social media.
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