STATEWIDE — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that it will be rolling out QR codes as a means of verifying COVID-19 vaccination records.
QR, short for “quick response” are a type of barcode that can be scanned with smartphones and are commonly used in multiple industries such as logistics and retail.
According to a press release sent out on Sept. 16, the QR codes used by the VDH will contain the same information as the paper immunization records, but it will be in a format that offers more security and efficiency.
The codes cannot be altered or forged and the information is only available if and when the individual chooses to share it.
The Businesses and employers that choose to verify an individual’s vaccination status can scan QR codes with the free SMART Health Verifier App. Individuals do not need to download an app to use QR codes.
QR codes are available to anyone whose vaccination record includes a working phone number and is in the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS). Nearly all doses administered in Virginia are reported to VIIS, including pharmacies, physician offices, health department clinics, federally qualified health centers, and community vaccination centers. Some doses administered outside Virginia to Virginia residents may be in VIIS. Doses administered directly by federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs are not reported to VIIS.
With more than 10.2 million doses of vaccine administered so far in Virginia, more than 58 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. Vaccines are free of charge. To find locations administering vaccines, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682, TTY users call 7-1-1). Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.
