The Essentials

Why You Might Not Want to Laminate Your Vaccine Card

With nearly three million people on average getting vaccinated every day, that is producing a lot of paper vaccine cards.

And since it stands to reason that proof of vaccination may soon be required to travel to many — if not all — destinations, travelers are asking how they can carry and protect those vaccine cards.

And there has been no clear guidance from the CDC.

Some have suggested laminating them.

This is probably not a good idea if some health officials want to add some endorsements notes or updates later.

Instead, get a plastic wallet or cover for your card and carry it separately. Also, photocopy it three times. Pack one copy separately from your wallet. Keep one copy at home, and give one copy to your travel companion.