CDC Issues Guidance to States and Local Health Departments as COVID-19 Vaccination Cards are Phased Out

The COVID-19 vaccination cards, which have been a critical document during the pandemic, are being phased out. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the federal government shipped more than 980 million cards between late 2020 and May 10.

The discontinuation of the cards is not expected to be a major change, since the days of keeping them tucked in purses and wallets to ensure entry into festivals, bars and restaurants are largely over. If you have held on to your card, it is still valid as proof of vaccination.

The CDC has also issued guidance to states and local health departments to help them transition away from the cards. This includes providing guidance on how to store and retrieve vaccination records and how to use electronic records.

The CDC has also recommended that states and local health departments work with healthcare providers to ensure that vaccination records are kept up to date and that individuals are able to access their records. This will help ensure that individuals have access to their vaccination records when needed.

The end of the COVID-19 vaccination cards marks the end of an era, but health officials do not expect it to have a major impact on the pandemic. The CDC has provided guidance to help states and local health departments transition away from the cards and ensure that individuals have access to their vaccination records.