What Do Vaccine Certificates in Different Countries Look Like?

The vaccine record issued by the CDC is a simple 4×3 inch card. The white document carries information about the person and their doses (date and vaccine manufacturer). Experts recommend not to laminate it, but carry it in a plastic holder to keep it from tearing because it will need to get updated with booster shot information. 

States are also experimenting with vaccine certificate apps. New York, Hawaii, California, Alaska, and Washington, D.C., among others, also offer an app to keep vaccination records. See the full list here.

India has a portal, CoWin, where citizens can register and book appointments for vaccines, and download their vaccine certificates. The document features details of the citizen, name of the vaccine, when it was administered, and where, along with a QR code. A distinct and rare detail is the photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a message, “Together, we will defeat COVID-19.” The photograph has been causing problems at immigration checks as officers suspect passengers of fraud because the photograph obviously doesn’t match the person whose certificate it is.

A vaccination certificate issued by Israel’s Ministry of Health and the HMOs is used when leaving Israel and in European Union countries. Anyone who has received two doses of the vaccine, or those with proof of recovery, is eligible to get the certificate. It has the person’s name, passport number, date of birth, and recovery/vaccine information along with a QR code.

Israel was the first country to ask for proof of vaccination, Green Pass, to allow people to attend events, go to gyms, visit shops, and dine indoors. It reintroduced the pass after scrapping it in June and now people need a new Green Pass with an updated QR code to enter facilities. Earlier this month, the country announced that the new Green Pass will be issued to those who have received their third dose. Those who haven’t received their booster shot can access indoor venues by presenting a negative test result or proof of recovery.

The UK has an NHS app that lets citizens access their vaccination certifications. The digital certificate has a barcode that can be scanned by businesses, and makes it easier for people to resume everyday activities like attending events and boarding flights. Citizens can also opt for a physical copy, in a letter format, with details of their vaccination, doses they received and when, and the center of administration.

Australians have access to their vaccination certifications digitally through the Medicare app or MyGov account. The green and white certificate has the person’s name, date of birth, document number, and vaccination details. A tick signifies the individual is fully vaccinated. The country also issues an immunization history statement to its citizens with details of shots taken and what’s due next.

In France, everyone who has been vaccinated can access their certificate online through the Ameli portal, or request a paper certificate. The certificate has a QR code that can be scanned and saved on the TousAntiCovid app and used to attend events and enter facilities. The certificate also has details about the individual and their doses.

A yellow vaccine booklet is used in Germany to document all vaccines an individual receives in their lifetime. Those who get their jabs against COVID-19 also get a letter or an emailed certificate with a QR code that they can scan on the CovPass app and use whenever proof of vaccination is required.

In Switzerland, proof of vaccination is issued by the healthcare provider after an individual gets vaccinated. The printed document has the date of vaccination, manufacturer, batch number, and the location it was administered. Swiss nationals can also access their COVID certificate digitally through an app using a QR code.