Lost your COVID-19 vaccination card? Here’s how to get a replacement in California

Whether you are jumping on an international flight or heading down to the local nightclub, discovering that you’ve lost your COVID-19 vaccination card is going to throw a wrench in the works.

But not to worry, you have options.

The first would be to get a duplicate online. But don’t waste time calling the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, even though that might seem intuitive. The federal agency doesn’t provide duplicates. Fortunately, Californians have better choices. Instead,

Get a digital copy online

You can do that by going to a nifty state website and fill out a short form and click the link provided in your email or text message. If you are not at a computer, you can also get the digital version by calling the California Immunization Registry at 800-578-7889, where they will walk you through the process. Now, you have a QR code on your phone.

Get a duplicate where you received the vaccination

Most people received their shots at a local pharmacy. If you did, you can get online help there, as well.

For Walgreens, you can create an account and get a Digital Dose card at Walgreens.com.

For CVS, create an account at carecvs.com.

For Rite Aid, create an account and get a printout of you vaccination records.

Now you’re set. Unless you lose your phone.

For those who are tech-challenged in Fresno, Simranjit Dhillon of the Fresno County Department of Health said they will direct callers to work directly with the California Immunization Registry or the Immunization Program to access vaccination records. Individuals can call the program at 559-600-3550 to schedule an appointment to pick up a print-out of their state registry record, even though vaccine cards are not routinely provided as a replacement record.