California launches new digital tool for people to access vaccine records

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Californians can now access a digital copy of their COVID-19 record with a new portal the state released Friday. It's called a Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, but in a news conference on Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that the digital cards will not serve as a "vaccine passport."

"It's not a passport, it's not a requirement. It's just the ability now to have an electronic version of that paper version," said Newsom.

The state is not requiring businesses and employers to ask for proof of COVID-19 vaccination. They say it's just a tool to give people easier access to their records.

“I think that’s way easier than carrying around a piece of paper. Especially since the vaccine card isn’t a little card that you can fit in your wallet. It being on your phone is way more accessible," said Salinas resident Dylan Allen.

At most businesses around the state, masks are no longer required, but people are allowed to self-attest their vaccination status. Some people say that's not enough. Tam Santillanes was visiting the Monterey wharf after arriving from Kentucky.

"How do you know they’ve been vaccinated? That’s their choice, I get that, and that’s our choice to be vaccinated," said Santillanes. "But we want to be safe and wear our masks but masks are ready to go to sleep now. They’re ready to be retired."

Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are only required for indoor gatherings with more than 5,000 people. It's just recommended for outdoor events with more than 10,000 attendees.

“I think across the board if people know others in their surroundings are vaccinated, it's really encouraging and we don’t have to worry so much about it," said Sheree Volrab, who was visiting the wharf from Illinois.

According to the California Department of Public Health, 56.5% of Californians aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated. Another 10.5% are partially vaccinated.

To get a digital vaccine record, people simply enter in their name, date of birth and the email or cell phone number associated with their vaccine record at this website. After creating a four digit pin, you will receive an email or text with a link to your digital record. The state recommends screenshotting and saving that digital copy to your camera roll for easy access.

PREVIOUS STORY: On Friday, the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Technology announced a new digital tool to help residents get convenient access to their Covid-19 vaccine records.

The new digital tool provides a secure QR code that they say is easy to use.

“While CDPH recommends that vaccinated Californians keep their paper CDC card in a safe and secure place, we recognize that some people might prefer an electronic version,” said California State Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan. “And if one of the state’s nearly 20 million vaccinated Californians misplaces their paper card, the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record provides a convenient backup.”

The digital Covid-19 vaccine record follows national standards and security policies.

“We worked with CDPH, tech industry leaders, and consulted with California’s top businesses, service and event purveyors to create a system that works well for all sectors,” said Amy Tong, State CIO and Director of the California Department of Technology. “We achieved our goal to quickly produce an intuitive portal that offers Californians another way, and an easier way, to access their own COVID-19 immunization history.”

Those who are vaccinated and are interested in receiving their code can visit myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov. On the website, residents can enter their name, date of birth and an email or cell phone number associated with the vaccine record. They can then create a 4-digit PIN and will receive a link to the vaccine record that will open when the PIN is entered.

State officials said the record will show the same information recorded on the paper card, including name, date of birth, date of vaccinations and the vaccine manufacturer. The code makes the details readable with use of a QR scanner.

Officials encourage vaccinated Californians to take a screenshot of the information and save it on their phone.