CDC stops printing paper COVID-19 vaccination cards

Between late 2020, when COVID-19 vaccines first came out, and May 10, CDC shipped more than 980 million vaccination cards, according to data from the agency.

Now, CDC says recipients should contact their state health department's immunization information system (IIS) if they would like to keep track of their COVID-19 vaccinations, as CDC doesn't keep vaccination records.

"Your state's IIS cannot issue you a vaccination card, but they can provide a digital or paper copy of your full vaccination record, including your COVID-19 vaccinations," CDC said.

Major pharmacy chains, including Rite Aid, say patients no longer need paper cards to get new COVID-19 vaccines.

"A vaccination card is not required for vaccination, but our pharmacists will complete them if patients bring them in," CVS said in a statement. Anyone who has received a shot at a CVS pharmacy or a Minute Clinic is able to access their vaccination records on the CVS Health Dashboard, according to the company.

Meanwhile, Walgreens said if you have your vaccination card, they recommend bringing it to your next appointment.

"We recommend individuals bring their dose card or vaccination details to the appointment so immunizers can update with booster details, but it is not required," the company said in a statement. "Walgreens will ask people to verify their age and vaccination status."

Walmart said in a statement that "if patients receiving the vaccine request that the dose is added to the vaccine card the patient already has, our pharmacists are happy to do so."

Should you get rid of your old vaccination card?

Experts say that, even though they may not be required anymore, you should still hang onto your vaccination cards. CDC recommends keeping a copy for your primary care provider to help make future medical decisions, adding that if you take your vaccination record to your doctor's office, you may be able to get a new card.

A number of states offer digital vaccination records for people either online or through an app, though some states don't have those options, meaning it could take longer for you to get your vaccination records.

It's also possible there are gaps in state databases. For example, if you were vaccinated by a federal health provider, those records may be separately tracked, the Associated Press reports.

And while proof of vaccination is no longer required to fly in the United States, some travel abroad could still require the cards.

Heidi Gurov, a nurse consultant for the Wyoming Department of Health, said you should save your vaccine card like you would any other health record.

"It's always good to keep those in a safe spot," she said. (Musa, CNN, 10/3; Shastri, Associated Press, 10/4; Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 10/4)

Develop a strong COVID-19 vaccine communication strategy that shares information, addresses patient concerns, and encourages uptake.