'Vax Verify' Website Offers Digital Vaccination Proof In Illinois

CHICAGO — A new online portal that allows residents to save and print a copy of their COVID-19 vaccine record was launched in Illinois Wednesday. The announcement comes as more businesses and events require proof of vaccination, and as government-issued paper cards begin to break down and become vulnerable to counterfeits, health officials said.

"Vax Verify" is open to all residents ages 18 and up to download their immunization information through I-CARE, or Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange, a web based immunization record-sharing application. Many healthcare providers utilize I-CARE for patients now.

"As more businesses, events, organizations, and others require proof of vaccination, Illinois residents will be able to confirm using Vax Verify that they have been vaccinated for COVID-19," IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement. "With the current surge in cases, more people are making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine and this new tool will aid residents in confirming their vaccination where needed."

In order to access a vaccination record within the portal, Illinois residents have to go through a one-time verification process through Experian. After that, the portal requires multi-factor authentication to log on. Due to the Experian link, those with frozen credit will need to unfreeze it.

Once inputting your identify into the portal, the website shows a disclaimer that states, "This is not a certified record, it is for informational purposes only." The application is useful in the event a resident loses their vaccine card or needs an official record of their vaccine lot number for work or travel, but does not address the possibility of fraudulent vaccine proof.

Officials stressed the new portal is not a vaccine passport, but rather makes it easier for residents to show their vaccination record without having to keep track of a card or request an official fax.

Digital QR codes that can be scanned to confirm vaccination status are already available in California, New York and Louisiana. Indiana and Wisconsin both have forms of immunization registries for residents to get replacement vaccine cards.

Chicago Department of Public Health Director Allison Arwady addressed the logistics of digitizing proof of vaccination during a press conference Thursday. She said Louisiana and New York had "embraced" the idea of a vaccine requirement.

"I do think where you're thinking about doing some of this potentially at a larger level, you want to make sure that it can be operationalized in a way that makes sense," she said.

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Prior to Vax Verify, residents could request a faxed record of their immunization. Through the app, parents cannot check their child's vaccination status.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker applauded establishments that require proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 status at an Illinois State Fair press conference Wednesday. While Pritzker has announced mandatory vaccines for some state workers, he has not announced any plans for a universal COVID vaccine requirement.