Illinois Health Department Offers Vaccine Verification Smart Card

CHICAGO ­— As Chicago and suburban Cook County residents prepare for a mandate that requires them to show proof of vaccination at bars, restaurants, gyms and other businesses beginning Monday, the Illinois Department of Public Health has used technology to make that process even easier.

The health department vax verify immunization portal now includes a SMART health card, which allows users to download a QR code that confirms their vaccination status at venues requiring proof of vaccination.

The health department’s Vax Verify system allows Illinois residents ages 18 and older to check in their vaccination status and download it onto their phone. Vax Verify can be found here.

Related: Highland Park Restaurants Must Check For COVID-19 Vaccine Proof

“As a way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safer, some businesses, events, organizations, and others are opting to require proof of vaccination before entering,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a news release on Wednesday. “We’ve seen multiple surges of COVID-19 and more and more people are making the choice to get vaccinated. The ability to download a QR code will help residents confirm their vaccination status when requested.”

Health officials said that the QR code can be downloaded or kept in Apple Wallet and presented for COVID-19 vaccination verification when needed. Businesses wanting to verify vaccination status can download the Commons Project SMART Health Card Verifier App on Apple AppStore and Google Play store.

The verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, users go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history. Once the verification process is complete, residents are able to see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange.

Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual, or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is younger than 18 years, can access their vaccination history. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities, officials said.