Does anyone know if a COVID 19 SMART card can take the place of the CDC vaccination and booster card? My original card was damaged so I have been using a copy for the booster and found that the health care provider where I received the shots has created a SMART card for each patient who received said shots with them. It has a record of dates and locations, type of vaccine and a QR code that is specific for me. Can this take the place of the original CDC card? If I went on a Rick Steves tour would it be accepted? I have a printed record and one on my IPhone. Am I covered or do I need to try to get a replacement CDC card? Thanks.
Posted by
Folsom
2700 posts
The CDC card is the recognized document in Europe. As for RSE you should call them. But I’ll bet they tell you to get a replacement.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6013 posts
The QR code will not work in Europe
You need the actual CDC card
Posted by
OP
25 posts
Thanks for the information. I reached out to my State's CDC contact and what I was told was " We can’t replace the actual card." They can only provide me with my immunization records which include my Covid shots. So I guess replacing the card is really not an option. Oh, well.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8340 posts
Clementine, what state are you in? I know several people who lost their cards and simply went back to the provider and were given replacements.
Posted by
Washington DC
27057 posts
Unless policies change before your trip, you're going to need to show proof of vaccination often. It's worth spending some non-vacation time now, trying to get a replacement card. Better to do that than to wonder every time you approach a restaurant, museum, etc., whether the specific employee doing the checking is going to be OK with your non-standard vaccination record. I'd show up at each of my vaccination sites (if you went more than one place) with all my records in hand and beg.
Posted by
170 posts
I would check around further. Sometimes your county is able to replace the card? Or you can check with your medical provider.
Posted by
OP
25 posts
I am working on all of the suggestions that you all have given me and I really appreciate it. It takes time as I need to actually call and talk to people and I have been working - cuts into my time that I need to follow up. I am not going to give up. Thanks so much for the information!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7514 posts
I think it is best to say that the CDC card is the most recognized document, but if you read other countries rules for proof of vaccination, it says nothing about it. Someplace in the bowels of documentation put out by a country, they define what constitutes "proof of vaccination" This includes the things on the CDC card, but also a signature of an authorized person who can attest to the vaccine validity. If you can find that list of required items, your doctor or Pharmacy may provide a letter, on their letterhead, detailing the vaccination record, and sign...that likely would be fine for proof.
But yeah, the CDC card would be best.
An edit: If you are good at printing card stock, here is a template of the card...from the CDC, you might try making your own.
Posted by
Portland, OR (PDX)
304 posts
An edit: If you are good at printing card stock, here is a template of
the card...from the CDC, you might try making your own.
Printing the blank card would be ok, but as as soon as you filled it out it would constitute forging a government document.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7514 posts
No, not if the information was accurate, only putting in false information is forgery. Myself, and many people were required to fill out our own card. ie: handed a blank card when we received our vaccine.