Illinoisans now have a new electronic way to show proof of their vaccination status.
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Vax Verify immunization portal is now offering the use of the SMART Health Card. Vax Verify is an online system that allows Illinois residents 18 years and older to check their COVID-19 vaccination record.
The SMART Health Card allows users to download a QR code, which individuals can use to easily confirm their COVID-19 vaccination status at businesses, events, and other locations.
The QR code can be downloaded or kept in Apple Wallet and presented for COVID-19 vaccination verification. Businesses wanting to verify vaccination status can download the Commons Project SMART Health Card Verifier App on Apple AppStore and Google Play store.
IDPH says the verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, residents will go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history.
After the verification process, individuals can see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).
Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual, or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is younger than 18 years, can access their vaccination history. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.
Go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.
The Vax Verify portal can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov.