More than 180 million Americans over the age of 18 — around 70% of the population — have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With a surge of cases caused by the more contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, officials are encouraging more people to get vaccinated with incentives like $100 cash payments.
Last week, the CDC released its latest updated guidelines for fully vaccinated people which include "wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission" and wearing masks indoors by all students, teachers, staff and visitors to schools. This is a departure from their last update back in May, where they stated that you could gather anywhere — indoors or outdoors — without a mask, except when required by local regulations or business-specific policies.
The CDC's guidelines also extend to international and domestic travel. For international trips, fully vaccinated people are not required to get tested before leaving the United States unless your destination requires it. They do, however, need proof of a negative test before returning to the U.S., but don't need to self-quarantine upon return. Fully vaccinated domestic travelers, meanwhile, don't need a test before or after their trips unless required by local regulations.
What information is provided on a vaccine card?
Whether you're given the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine or two doses of Moderna or Pfizer, you're given a vaccine card that has the information regarding which vaccine you received, the date on which you received the dose(s) and the location that administered it to you. While some people are laminating it to keep it from getting worn out or damaged as days go by, that might not be the best idea in the long run.
"If you need a booster [shot] in six months, they may want to put [that information] on the same card," Dr. Arthur Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, previously told Shop TODAY.
When do you need to show your vaccine card?
Aside from travel, there are several other places you may need to show your vaccine card. "Sometimes you need them to get into sporting events... or to get on a cruise ship. Sometimes people are asking for vaccination cards to get certain incentives that are being offered ranging from donuts to free fishing licenses," Caplan told us. He also mentioned employers like Delta requiring new hires to be vaccinated, as well as certain colleges mandating current and incoming students to have a proof of vaccination in order to attend in-person classes this fall.
Some areas of the country are even implementing new programs to encourage more people to get vaccinated. For example, in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio is requiring proof of vaccination be shown to enter indoor settings like restaurants, gyms and performance venues, the first major city in the U.S. to do so.
If you don't know where to find a vaccine card protector, we started the search for you. Here are some of the best vaccine card holders we've seen on the market — get 'em before they sell out!
Best vaccine card holders and protectors
Personalized Vaccination Card Wallet
This Etsy bestseller has several layers of personalization so you'll never get it confused with someone else's vaccine card holder. The wallet itself comes in four colors and you can choose from five stamp designs and three stamp colors. You can even personalize it with your name or initial! There is also a clear window display for your vaccination card and a slot for your passport, along with two additional card slots.
Vandz Vaccine Card Protector
If you don't want to have all of your information on display in a card holder with a clear window, try this marble-patterned cover. Just slip your card inside this protector and keep it on hand for whenever you need it. It even has two windows so you can carry more than one card at a time, making it convenient for couples and families.
Clear Vaccination Card Holder
This bestselling waterproof card holder is sold in packs of three, five, 10, 20 and 50, so you can get a holder for the whole family — or even everyone you know. It has a resealable zipper, so your card will be secure when you don't need it but easily accessible when you do. The hole at the top lets you attach it to your favorite lanyard and wear it around your neck, as well.
Gurcyter Covid Vaccination Card Protector
Instead of digging around your bag to show your vaccine card at a moment's notice, this lanyard protector gives you instant accessibility whenever you need it. It also comes in five bright colors from light blue to a vibrant neon green.
Vaccination Card Wallet
Give your vaccine card its own wallet with this slim bi-fold. It has a single vinyl pocket so you can show your card when needed without having to remove it from its casing. This bestselling wallet is available in 22 colors and patterns.
Leather Vaccination Passport Holder/Cover
If you're traveling out of the country, keep all of your important documents in one place with this passport holder that has a space for your vaccine card. You can buy up to four in a pack and it comes in 10 different colors.
CottonBoutique Vaccination Card Holder
This bestselling handmade card holder is available in over 60 different patterns. It has a clear window display to easily show your vaccination information when necessary without fumbling to remove the card from its slot every time.
Keychain Card Holder
This keychain card holder is a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their vaccine card on them, even when they're on-the-go. It comes in over two dozen different colors like peach, lavender and aqua.
Soft Leather Vaccination Card Sleeve
You can choose from nine different colors for this leather vaccine card sleeve. You can also choose between one of two stamps — "I got my Fauci ouchie" or "Fully vaccinated" — and even personalize it with your name. Clip it on to your keys or bag so you never lose it.
2021 Return of the Hugs Zipper Pouch
Display some cautious optimism for the ability to hug your neighbor again with this printed pouch. A zippered pouch is another option to keep your card information hidden from public view. This one comes in three sizes, but even the smallest size is large enough to fit your vaccine card along with a few other essentials.
Vaxxed. Zipper Pouch
Get straight to the point with this pouch, which also comes in three sizes. Pay less per pouch when you buy two or more, so you can get one for each member of your family.
Chic bags to keep your vaccine card holder
Athleta Kinetic Waist Bag
In case you haven't heard, the '90s are back — and so are fanny packs! This slim version of the traditionally chunky accessory balances old-school and current trends. The zippered pocket will keep all of your essentials safe whether you're going for a run, heading on vacation or just running some quick errands. Take your pick between orange, olive, black and blue.
Everywhere Belt Bag
If you're looking for something a little roomier, try this belt bag from Lululemon. It has a bit of a boxier shape — similar to a camera bag — and is deeper so you can take a few more things with you on the go. Made with water-repellent fabric, you won't have to worry about the state of your things when battling the elements.
Kate Spade Jade Camera Bag
Camera bags keep you hands-free while securing the essentials like your vaccine card. Reviewers love this bag for stadium events that only allow clear bags because it fits all of the essentials like their phone, makeup bag, glasses and wallet.
Michael Kors Adele Double-Zip Wristlet
This double-zip wristlet has enough compartments to help you say goodbye to bulky purses this summer. It has two zip compartments, an open compartment, a phone pocket, two slit pockets, six card slots and an ID window. Slip your vaccine card into one of the zip compartments to keep it safe and secure.
Coach Carryall Pouch
This carryall pouch is perfect for carrying your everyday items like your vaccine card, ID, keys, money and lip balm. There are two smaller pockets inside and a zippered pocket on the outside to keep you organized. You can also detach the wrist strap to turn it into a clutch.
For more stories like this, check out:
- Never grab the wrong bag again: 11 luggage tags perfect for travel
- Storage just got smarter with this home brand's newest line — essentials start at $8
- An expert shares tips on how to stay organized while traveling this summer
- 21 best travel essentials for your health and wellness
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This article was originally published on May 18, 2021.
