Many businesses, employers, and venues require confirmation of Covid-19 vaccination to enter. In the US, these slightly-too-big-for-your-wallet paper cards are the main vaccination record. They’re cumbersome to carry and easy to misplace in pockets. Digitalization is possible. Usually.
While the EU offers all citizens digital immunisation certificates, the US is more… complex. Here’s how.
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First-aid
As with any personal info, consider the danger of posting it online. Apple announced last year it would add driver’s licence and state ID storage to Apple Wallet. Even if Apple can’t access the files, hackers or overzealous cops could. Google or Apple Wallet may be useful in some situations. (They’re safer than credit cards.) Contactless pay services can be hijacked, and so might your immunisation card.
Register
First, you’ll need a digital immunisation record. This can be found on government websites, through your doctor, or at the injection clinic.
Getting government records depends on where you reside. Some states offer SMART Health Cards to access digital records. California, Louisiana, Hawaii, sections of Maryland, and Colorado are affected. Canada also sells them. Where SMART cards are used.
Some governors have outlawed digital Covid vaccination data for “medical freedom” in other jurisdictions. Check your state’s resource webpages.
If you had a vaccine from your regular doctor, they may have information. Depending on where you got vaccinated, the company may scan your card. Walmart, Sam’s Club, Rite Aid, and Express Scripts offer digitised immunisation records. All require account logins.
Once you have your virtual immunisation card, you can keep it on your smartphone. Add it to your phone’s wireless payment app for fast access. How?
Health/Wallet/Apple
Apple’s iOS 15 Health app feature lets users save and share medical details, including Covid-19 vaccination status, with other doctors. You can save the card in Apple Wallet so you’re ready before the tiki bar bouncer glares.
Apple Wallet requires iOS 15.1 or later. SMART card is next. If you downloaded the digital card, it should say Add to Wallet & Health. Hit it. You may also scan the QR code with your camera app to open it.
Vaccination Added means you’re done. Double-tap the side button (if your phone has Face ID) or hold your finger on the touch ID sensor to access Apple Wallet. Face ID, a fingerprint, or a password are required to view anything. Once you’re in, find the Vaccination Card tile. Open it and show.
You may get your digital vax info on the Health app. Tap Browse, then Immunizations. Covid’s QR code should appear. Check Lab Results underneath Immunizations.
PayPal
You may add your immunisation details to Google Pay on an Android handset to access it from the lock screen. Android 5 or later is required. Play Protect-certified. (You shouldn’t worry unless you bought your phone from a dodgy man in a dark alley.)
First, access your vax card. Save to phone should be a link on a SMART Health card. Tap Google Pay then. You don’t need Google Pay to put your digital vax on your phone, but you must tap this.
Hold down the power button to access Google Pay afterwards. If you don’t see the immunisation card, search for three vertical dots in the upper right corner. Tap View All then. You’ll see COVID-19 Vaccination Card on the next screen. If needed, enter a passcode or fingerprint.
Right-hand corner of the card page has a Save to home option. This puts a shortcut on your phone’s home screen.
Google insists data stays on-device. You’ll need to repeat the process for each phone.
Samsung Pay
Android phones like Samsungs can employ the above steps. That’s easier. You bought a Galaxy Z Fold3 for $1,000, right? Vaccines can be added to Samsung Pay records.
To do this, download Commons Project’s CommonHealth app. Scan your SMART Health Card there. Once you have it, tap Samsung Pay. Access your vax card from Samsung Pay or the home screen by sliding up and tapping Use Card.
What If?
Keep a photo of your immunisation card on your phone. Front and rear, clear photo, save.
This won’t generate a QR code, and its security depends on the photographs app or folder you use. Open a photo on an Apple device, tap Share, then Hide. You can save your immunisation card in a locked folder on a Pixel phone. Protect your vaccine card like your nudes.
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