Washington state this week quietly launched a new online tool that shows proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, taking a step toward improving its verification systems as it prepares to require full vaccination or a recent negative test at all large indoor and outdoor venues on Nov. 15.
The tool called WA Verify, requires you to simply fill out your name, date of birth, contact information and a four-digit PIN number, and the system will text you a link to get a scannable QR code and digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccination records. The electronic record is drawn from the data stored in the state’s immunization registry. Once you receive WA Verify’s QR code, you can take a screenshot and present it in restaurants, bars or other venues that require proof of immunization.
If you have an iPhone, you can save the QR code to the Apple Health app. If you have an Android phone, you can save the code to Google Pay. To access multiple vaccination records associated with a single phone number or email address, the site instructs you to enter each digital verification record request separately.
The new system only provides copies of state vaccine records, so residents who received immunizations from a federal agency — such as the Department of Defense, Indian Health Services or Veterans Affairs — must contact that agency for help, according to the site.
WA Verify was developed by the state Department of Health’s Office of Innovation, a DOH spokesperson said Thursday. The department will announce an official launch “in the near future.” (Seattle Times)
