- Connecticut introduces option for accessing COVID-19 vaccination records through a digital system
- Governor Ned Lamont says the “SMART Health Cards” are optional and meant to offer a more convenient than paper cards issued through the CDC
- There is no statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate in Connecticut, but some larger venues require proof of vaccination to enter
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
Connecticut has introduced an option for residents to digitally store records proving that they have received a COVID-19 vaccine. In announcing the option, Governor Ned Lamont repeated his assurance that the technology is fully optional and does not represent a vaccine mandate.
The digital “SMART Health Cards” can be loaded onto a smartphone by visiting ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord. The system uses CT WiZ, the state’s immunization information system, to confirm a person’s vaccination status and mirrors the paper cards provided by the Centers for Disease Control upon vaccination. It then creates a QR card which can be scanned to demonstrate proof of vaccination.
“This digital vaccination card does one thing – it provides Connecticut residents with an alternative option to the paper card that they received when they were vaccinated,” said Lamont. “If you don’t want to carry your paper card around with you in your pocket, or if you lost your card, then you can digitally load it onto your smartphone. If you don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to digitize your paper card, then you don’t have to, and you can keep using the paper card you were given when you were vaccinated. This option is just about more convenience for Connecticut residents.”
No statewide COVID-19 vaccine mandate exists in Connecticut. However, some larger venues such as sports arenas and theaters require that attendees show proof of vaccination to enter.
