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IDPH working on program to help people prove they’ve been vaxed

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Illinois

* Late March…

As for a vaccination passport to prove a person has been inoculated against the coronavirus, Pritzker says a vaccination app would be useful, but should not be required to enter an event or facility.

“As long as it is your choice,” Pritzker said. “If people ask you to show that for a particular venue or private venue, they have the ability and right to do that. You don’t have to show that to them. You don’t have to be to go to that venue or be engaged in that activity.”

* Today…

Officials at the Illinois Department of Public Health said the agency is working on a program that would allow residents who are vaccinated against COVID-19 to show an electronic certification from the state.

“Vaccinated individuals may want to be able to prove they have been vaccinated, especially if they misplace their CDC vaccination card,” IDPH spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said. “IDPH is working to provide this service to individuals.”

Thoughts?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:45 pm

Comments

‘May want to’ is the key phrase here.

Comment by Blue Dog Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:50 pm
this is when one is really happy to have healthcare which keeps an electronic record of the vaccination.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:56 pm
After the unveiling of Chicago’s latest rube goldberg-esque capacity metrics, it’s clear an easy, standard vaccination verification is necessary for any sort of effective implementation.

I would prefer a system like this is only “enforced” for specific activities like concerts, mass gatherings, flights, but not everyday activities like dining.

Ideally, this process would have been started earlier, as we need to allow ample time for people to register and to get physical passes to people who can’t or don’t use smartphones or other digital options. Using the paper CDC card is akin to using your original birth certificate to get into a bar.

Comment by Served Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:56 pm
Great idea. I hope they can work with other states like NY and CA so such measure can be used while traveling in other states.

Comment by Hot Taeks Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:57 pm
I have no idea what the law on this issue is, but I imagine the goal would be to have something like reopening everything at X% capacity, but then not having vax passport holders count against the capacity limit?

Comment by Homebody Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:57 pm
So the question remains unanswered by the Governor. Will licensed commercial establishments be allowed to prohibit those who do not show proof of vaccines from entering?

Comment by Hippo Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 12:58 pm
Good idea. Restaurants used to ask “smoking or non-smoking” when seating customers, and no one batted an eye. Why couldn’t they do the same based on proof of vaccination status? It would seem to pass constitutional muster, and I can’t see how either status group would have grounds to object.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:01 pm
I didn’t get the CDC card at the Fairgrounds Orr bldg site. They gave me a smaller Sangamon County card with two spots for vaccinations so its full already. Springfield Clinic used the 4 spot CDC card so there is room for boosters. Seems disjointed from the start.

Comment by Anotheretiree Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:06 pm
I’m ok with the idea. If on an airplane it might be nice to know that everyone present has also been vaccinated. I know some people who aren’t taking the vaccine who will be angry if told they can’t get on a flight without being vaccinated.

Comment by The Dude Abides Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:08 pm
This is just the beginning… It’s all if you want to is how it starts. Then it will be you have to show it or you can’t enter or use this service.

Comment by Real Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:16 pm
The CDC cards a too easy to forge. I would love it if the state could provide fraud-proof vaccine certification. I don’t like relying on the honor system for something this important to public health.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:21 pm
in the meantime, if you have a card, or if you have a record from an online portal, take a photo of with your phone and have it available in case.

Comment by Amalia Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:24 pm
=== This is just the beginning… It’s all if you want to is how it starts. Then it will be you have to show it or you can’t enter or use this service. ===

Looks like I need to buy stock in aluminum foil manufacturing companies.

Comment by Leap Day William Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:24 pm
I’m okay with it as well. I find the freedom to be alive and healthy by far outweighs being able to spread and catch a disease like COVID without rules/restrictions. If a business or other entity requires proof of vaccination, it’s for health reasons and not discriminatory like not serving people because of their skin color, sexual orientation, etc. But surely many will believe they are victims of businesses’ right to protect health and life.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:25 pm
@Real - Again, same principle as smoking sections in the old days. People who didn’t want to breathe others’ smoke didn’t have to do so. That’s their right. Today, I would prefer not to be forced to mingle with antivaxers, knowingly or unknowingly. Public schools are the same. Don’t believe in the MMR shot? Feel free to home-school your kids.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:26 pm
===Will licensed commercial establishments be allowed===

Why wouldn’t they be? Why would the state force businesses to allow super-spreaders onto their properties?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:26 pm
The same state that cannot figure out Real ID? lol

Comment by Sweet N Sour Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:31 pm
Absolutely necessary. Yes, please.

Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:32 pm
To accomplish this maybe the state can re-purpose all those contract tracers who were so effective. Yes, it’s sarcasm.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:43 pm
Sign me up for a fax passport. I swear the things people get worked up about these days are just bizarre.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:48 pm
== I would love it if the state could provide fraud-proof vaccine certification. ==

Trained IDES staffers stand by to assist IDPH in the formulation of the plan……

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:52 pm
Actually a kind of cool idea, especially if we can expand it to include other issues. It wouldn’t be too difficult to do on an annual basis for flu shots, shingles vaccines etc. May want to to consider adding other categories, those convicted of violent crimes, those with previous mental health issues, etc

Comment by snakepliskin69 Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:53 pm
I think encouraging vaccines will only get us so far and that could leave us short of where we need to be. The vax pass might be the difference between hoping that we reach herd immunity and actually seeing it become reality.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:54 pm
I am for it. The only way for a return to “normal” is a high vaccination rate of the population.

Comment by illdoc Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 1:58 pm
Yes, please.

I’ve got my card with both doses (and space for boosters) in a slide-in plastic card. But I’d like something official — especially for when I dine out and (eventually) travel.

This can’t come soon enough.

Comment by Mr K Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:04 pm
but should not be required to enter an event or facility.===

And why not? Vaccination should be required for indoor events such as restaurants and school, plus any outdoor large venue. Don’t want to get one? Sit in the outdoors socially distant area away from me.

Comment by Jibba Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:10 pm
Laminated my vaccine card, but it is slightly bigger than wallet size. Could they add this info to our driver’s license or Real ID?

Comment by bogey golfer Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:15 pm
Great idea.

I also can’t wait for the GQP heads to explode.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:18 pm
Great idea. But even though it is voluntary, I can envision the “slippery slope” contingent warming up in their bullpen.

Comment by levivotedforjudy Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:20 pm
===Sign me up for a fax passport===

I may be able to help you there. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:20 pm
I will sign up for an electronic vaccination certification and will make the choice to patronize businesses that ask for proof of vaccination to enter.

Comment by smrides Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:20 pm
I got vaccinated in January and it shows an expiration date of next month on my card. Not sure how that fits in. Like would I need a booster for my vax to be up to date?

Comment by Lurker Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:26 pm
=== I will sign up for an electronic vaccination certification and will make the choice to patronize businesses that ask for proof of vaccination to enter. ===

This.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:41 pm
And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop.

Comment by SOIL M Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:44 pm
can’t the government just share the info they’re collecting from us vaccinated folk??

Comment by BTO2 Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:46 pm
I’m all for the electronic vaccination proof. I should laminate my vaccination card but haven’t gotten around to it yet (even though I think Office Depot can do it for free, but I don’t want to go to more stores than necessary, especially when it involves more time in Springfield outside of work).

I would also be on board for all fellow state and public employees to be required to be vaccinated as part of employment. Although AFSCME and other unions might have some issues with my idea, however.

Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:48 pm
=== And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop.===

lol

It’s this kind of silly that has folks driving 40 miles, round trip, as to avoid Illinois gas taxes.

To the post,

I will be fully vaccinated. That’s happening.

I won’t be at places I already know were Covidiots; restaurants, businesses… they lost me. I won’t in the foreseeable future be “around” folks who refuse to be vaccinated. Are those litmus tests? Meh, maybe(?), but why be around the foolish when it come to health or the selfish who won’t consider others.

For things, if I need to prove vaccination, I’ll gladly and quickly comply, as others around me, that’s why I got vaccinated and hope the consideration for “me” (society) was considered by those folks too.

It’s a global pandemic. We’re still in it, as we try to climb out. Proof of vaccination is the least of our worries.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:53 pm
= Why would the state force businesses to allow super-spreaders onto their properties? =

Ask Ron Desantis: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-81.pdf

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 2:54 pm
“can’t the government just share the info they’re collecting”

No. It would be a HIPAA violation.

I can’t wait to see what type of rube goldberg mess IDoit is going produce. Given the mess they have made of the State’s computer systems, this ought to be a doozy.

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:00 pm
=This is just the beginning… It’s all if you want to is how it starts. Then it will be you have to show it or you can’t enter or use this service.=

Just like “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service”. It is a public health issue.

==== And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop.====

They also offer free drinks of water with high lead content because they don’t need all of those dumb rules.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:03 pm
Then it will be you have to show it or you can’t enter or use this service.

Fine with me. The anti-vaxxers should be publicly shunned.

I know I’m the one who brought up laminating your vaccine record card, but the advice now is to not do it if you have the one with room for recording booster shots later one. I’m getting a plastic sleeve for mine and hoping there will be something I can keep on my phone besides the picture Ill take after my 2nd shot next Wednesday.

Comment by Cheryl4 Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:04 pm
===And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop. ===

Depending on where you live and where you want to eat or shop you don’t really have an option. Since the beginning of 2020 Carbondale has lost Macy’s, JCPenney, and Best Buy.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:04 pm
This is a workplace safety issue. Employees should not be exposed to people who can make them sick.

Comment by Alton Giant Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:43 pm
Vaccine passports don’t bother me. I travel internationally so I’m going to have to have one at some point anyway.

Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 3:52 pm
=== And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop.===

As if we don’t have enough Neanderthals roaming the streets here.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 4:16 pm
This is why the cards won’t work. We need a better solution.

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/covid-vaccination-card-fraud-prompts-cdc-action-rcna802

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 4:29 pm
I’d rather drive to another state than get a vaccine is an interesting take.

Comment by OneMan Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 4:57 pm
=== I’d rather drive to another state than get a vaccine is an interesting take.===

Sincerely, so true.

It’s a self-own to the ridiculousness of “freedom” or whatever hair brained reason to own someone or something… while it’s a self own all the same.

“Everyone, we’re driving to Missouri for dinner. No way is Illinois making me look out for myself and others. Pack a lunch, it’ll be a little bit”

Someone told me “we’re driving to Indiana to eat” because vaccines…

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 5:03 pm
Put the vax info on the driver’s license.

We already have driver licenses electronically scanned in order to vote and buy marijuana.

Of course, that’s the reason I won’t buy marijuana from state sanctioned distributors.

Comment by Glenn Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 5:24 pm
IDPH doesn’t know Sangamon DPH has vaccinated both of us. So why should we trust IDPH’s say so?

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 6:12 pm
FWIW … I already have an electronic copy, a photo on my phone.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 6:14 pm
You can count me among the slippery slope guys who doesn’t trust government; spent too many years working for them.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 6:22 pm
The actions of GQP politicians and comments from conservatives seem to indicate they would be happier to go back to leeches and conical masks filled with perfume (bird beaks). This is the sorry state of our nation.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 6:49 pm
I get what you’re saying, RNUG. I respect that. But I think there are secure ways to do this. And it’s necessary. You’ve said in the past that you won’t patronize places where mask rules aren’t enforced. But, soon, we won’t need masks and I’d like to only patronize places that check for vaccination. The current paper record is an easily forgeable joke. I like the driver’s license idea with a unique code on it that can be keyed or scanned at a restaurant/TSA for example where that would trigger a pin request that I could then enter. We do this type of validation for many things currently. If they consulted you with your IT experience, and healthy skepticism, I think you’d be able to come up with something fairly secure.

Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 7:48 pm
===…who doesn’t trust government; spent too many years working for them.===

But you trust them enough to deposit your pension payment every month. Plus 3% every year.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 7:50 pm
=== And another in the list of reasons to go to KY, MO, and other States to eat out and shop.===

Because that is the only place you can hope to catch COVID? Go for it.

I put my vaccine card in an old conference badge holder. I’m tempted to start wearing it.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 7:52 pm
== But you trust them enough to deposit your pension payment every month. Plus 3% every year. ==

Don’t have much of a choice on that one.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 8:30 pm
I can’t imagine anyone with even passing City of Chicago DAIS IT or CMS IT experience believing any such vax passport app would launch before 2022. Laminate your CDC vax cards friends.

Comment by ChicagoBars Thursday, Apr 29, 21 @ 9:54 pm