TSA strongly urges you to keep your COVID-19 vaccination card safe from loss.

Are you aware of where your COVID-19 vaccine card is? If not, you need to find out.

If your vaccine card is missing and you've traveled recently, check the airport; particularly, look to see if it was left behind at security screening.

The Transportation Security Administration shared a photo showing a pile of COVID-19 vaccine cards left behind by travelers at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) this month. If you suspect your vaccine card was lost at the airport, TSA suggests checking the lost and found there.

To avoid having your travel plans disrupted by a missing vaccine card, here are some tips for keeping track of this important document.

Ways to keep your COVID-19 vaccination card safe and accessible

Concerned about losing your vaccination card? Here are some effective strategies to manage it:

Snap a picture

I seldom carry my physical vaccination card, even in New York City. Right after my vaccination, I took a picture of my card to have it ready for any bars, gyms, or restaurants I might visit. I store it in my iPhone's 'Favorites' folder within the Photos app for quick access, avoiding the hassle of searching through my bag for the actual card.

Apps for vaccine passports

We've extensively covered vaccine passports over the past year; they offer convenience when you prefer not to carry your physical card, whether dining locally or traveling internationally. Notably, your physical card might not be valid for entry in certain places, such as Singapore, which does not accept paper vaccine cards at all.

There are various vaccine passport apps available, including Clear's Health Pass and CommonPass. Additionally, some states, like New York, provide digital health passes for vaccinated residents. If you can digitize your vaccination record, it's advisable to do so and leave your physical card at home.

Purchase a vaccine card holder

Having a designated spot for your vaccine card can help ensure you don’t accidentally forget it in an airport security bin.

Organizing your travel documents, such as your vaccine card and passport, can enhance your travel experience abroad. Many brands now offer specialized passport holders designed with a slot for your vaccine card. With a quick glance, you can easily check if everything is in order without rummaging through your bags.

In summary: Treat your COVID-19 vaccine card as you would your credit cards, driver's license, or passport. This means keeping it in a secure place, such as a wallet, safe, or desk drawer, at all times. If you don’t need it while traveling, it’s best to leave it at home.

What should I do if I misplace my COVID-19 vaccine card?

Your COVID-19 vaccine card is essential for traveling to many destinations, so it’s important to always know its whereabouts. However, if you lose, damage, or misplace your vaccine card, there are steps you can take to address the situation.

As previously mentioned, there is a record of your vaccination if you received it in the United States.

All COVID-19 vaccination providers must report data to their state’s immunization system within 72 hours. However, this doesn’t guarantee that proving your vaccination status will be straightforward. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, your first step should be to contact the site where you got vaccinated to retrieve your vaccination record if your card is lost.

Your state's health department or immunization information system may also maintain a record of your vaccination. Additionally, if you are enrolled in the CDC's V-safe or VaxText notification systems, you can access your vaccination details through those services — but remember, the agency itself does not hold your records.