The Delaware Division of Public Health announced that individuals vaccinated in Delaware will now have access to a QR code when downloading their Covid-19 vaccination record.
The digital Covid-19 vaccination card now includes the QR code and is available through the DelVAX Public Portal, a site where those who were vaccinated in Delaware can access their immunization records. When the person accesses their Covid-19 record they will be able to download a PDF version of it, which resembles a vaccine card and includes the QR Code. The image can then be saved to a phone gallery, or printed.
DPH did report glitches with people accessing the codes. Anyone having issues with the portal can email DelVAX@delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672 or 302-744-4850.
Vaccinations are not required in Delaware. Philadelphia and New York City have been or will require proof of vaccination at restaurants and other indoor publc spaces.
Any businesses that chooses to verify an individual’s vaccination status can scan QR codes using a SMART Health Card verifier app. Individuals do not need to download an app to obtain their QR code. When a business or entity scans the QR code, the vaccination information will only appear for a short period of time for verification purposes and will not be saved on the device, keeping the individual’s personal information secure.
The technology allows anyone to show proof of vaccination with a digital or printed QR code instead of a paper card. QR codes contain the same information as paper records, but in a format that offers greater security and efficiency. The QR code is digitally verified by the Delaware Division of Public Health.
“This new feature provides individuals convenient access to their COVID-19 vaccination record in a way that keeps their personal health information secure,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “This offers a protected link to your COVID-19 vaccination record on the go.”
Delaware is among several states to recently adopt the SMART Health Card Framework for QR codes, providing individuals with trustworthy and verifiable copies of their vaccination records in digital or paper form. The framework and standards for the technology were developed by VCI, a coalition of more than 800 public and private organizations – including The Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, Microsoft, MITRE, and The Commons Project Foundation.
QR codes are available to anyone whose vaccination record includes a working phone number and is in Delaware’s immunization database, DelVAX. Nearly all doses administered in Delaware are reported to DelVAX, including pharmacies, physician offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers, public health clinics and state-run community vaccination events. Some doses administered outside Delaware to Delaware residents may be in DelVAX. Doses administered directly by federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs are not reported to DelVAX.
The DelVAX Public Portal is available at https://delvax.dhss.delaware.gov/delvax_public/Application/PublicPortal. To watch step-by-step instructions on how to access the public portal and download a secure QR code, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLc9vAVO7s. Individuals who need assistance can call 1-800-282-8672, or email DelVAX@delaware.gov.
