ATLANTA (CNN) – Vaccine suitability in the US is expanding rapidly, as is the popularity of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s little white card.
While plans are still being developed to establish standardized vaccination evidence, many are sticking to their Covid-19 vaccination cards as a possible form of social currency.
And companies, such as Staples and Office Depot, offer to help protect them with free lamination.
While it may be tempting to get your vaccine card laminated as soon as possible, take your time and make sure you’ve considered a few things beforehand.
Here’s what you need to know about laminating your coveted vaccination card.
Please check your details again
If you are receiving a two-dose vaccine, make sure you receive and record 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 – for accuracy.
Make sure you have a backup
You should definitely back up 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 picture of the chart after each dose.
“Take a photo after taking the first photo, and then after the second too, in case you lose the physical card,” she said. “Save the photo to your phone and email yourself a copy just in case.”
Wen said she also recommends photocopying the card and keeping it in the same place as other important documents, such as your birth certificate.
After this, if you want to laminate your card, Wen says “go for it”.
Know what to do if your card gets damaged or lost
There is a concern that the laminating process could damage the cards, soil the ink, or make it illegible.
But even if your card gets damaged during the lamination process, there are options.
In the event of damage to or loss of your card, you should contact your vaccine provider for a new one.
If you’re having trouble contacting your provider, you can visit the CDC Directory of Immunization Information Systems (IIS) of the state health service.
While the CDC itself has no information on vaccination records, providers must report vaccinations to their state’s respective IIS or registry. Contact your state phone number or email address to access your information and get your new card.
Evidence is the most important thing – laminated or not
Some worry that laminating their vaccine cards will cause problems in the future if Covid-19’s vaccine booster shots are needed.
Still, Wen says, don’t worry.
“If you do get a booster after that, you can always get another card,” she said. “That wouldn’t deter me.”
Ultimately, the thing that trumps everything is proof – laminated or not.
“Lamination is not necessary if you also follow all the other steps above,” Wen said. “The key is to have the evidence of vaccination easily accessible.”
As long as you have your card you are in a good place. Don’t forget not to share it on social media.
The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.