What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

You got the COVID-19 vaccine, they gave you a card, and you tucked it away someplace safe in case you needed it in the future. But now you can't remember where you put it and you truly need it for some reason or another.

There is a lot of talk in the news about vaccine cards and the requirements for having to show it for some reason or another to validate that you received one of the three shots. While widespread card-mandates haven't occurred, there are a variety of reasons you might need to have proof of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Similar to other vaccinations, some schools are requiring the vaccine to attend. Additionally, metropolitan areas that saw widespread cases of COVID-19 have put vaccine requirements in place for everything from entertainment venues to public transit.

At the very least, you'll need the card to coordinate your vaccine shots if you're getting the Pfizer or the Moderna shots. Both of these vaccines are two-shot sequences that require that the user gets the same manufacturers vaccine and within the correct window of time.

Getty Images

But back to the question: What do you do if you had a COVID-9 vaccine card and lost it?

First of all, don't panic. The world has not stopped and obtaining a replacement one is an option. You just need to know the protocols and steps.

Get our free mobile app

The Minnesota Department of Health provides a guide for lost vaccine cards. Basically it comes down to whether or not you lost the card before getting both doses or after. Here's what you need to know:

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.