Oct. 4, 2023 – The CDC has stopped giving out the small white COVID vaccination cards that, during the heart of the pandemic, were needed for travel or attending large events and made countless appearances in selfies.
“CDC no longer distributes the white CDC COVID-19 Vaccination cards and does not maintain vaccination records,” the CDC now advises. “Contact your state health department’s immunization information system (IIS). Your state’s IIS cannot issue you a vaccination card, but they can provide a digital or paper copy of your full vaccination record, including your COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Some pharmacies or health care sites where the vaccines are given may also be able to issue a vaccine record.
Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens don’t require the cards for people to get the updated COVID-19 shot, CNN reported, although most recommend bringing it if people still have them. Most pharmacies will update the cards with the new vaccination information if people present the card.
“If patients receiving the vaccine request that the dose is added to the vaccine card the patient already has, our pharmacists are happy to do so,” Walmart said in a statement to CNN.
The U.S. no longer requires travelers entering the U.S. or citizens returning from international travel to show proof of vaccination. Americans planning international travel can check country-specific travel advisories posted by the U.S. Department of State.