Washington Department of Health launches digital alternative to vaccine card
Nov 23, 2021, 2:02 PM | Updated: Nov 24, 2021, 6:18 am
Proof of COVID vaccination is required to dine in at a restaurant in King County. (MyNorthwest photo)
(MyNorthwest photo)
The Washington State Department of Health has officially launched its “WA Verify” tool, giving people the option to verify their COVID-19 vaccination status with a unique QR code rather than a physical card.
State to ‘monitor’ King County vaccine requirements, as it preps new verification tool
To get your code, you’ll need to fill out your name, date of birth, and either your phone number or email on the WA Verify website at this link. You will then receive a link to your digital vaccination record, which can be saved to your smartphone or computer. The QR code can also be stored on Apple Wallet or Google Pay apps on mobile devices.
Those who were vaccinated through a federal agency like the Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, or Indian Health Services will need to contact those agencies directly.
The tool is designed to operate as a more convenient way to provide proof of vaccination in counties or cities where it’s required for access to select indoor businesses. That includes King County, which mandates either proof of vaccine or of a negative COVID test for patrons at restaurants, bars, music venues, theaters, gyms, and large events.
Both Clallam and Jefferson counties have similar requirements for restaurants and bars as well.
“More businesses, events, and employers are requiring people to be vaccinated. We ask that you respect the rules of the room and be prepared in advance to show the type of vaccination proof requested,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah said in a news release. “If you have plans to go to an event or want to grab dinner with a friend, please do not wait until the last minute to verify your vaccination status – prepare ahead of time by taking those steps today.”
Everything you need to know about King County’s vaccine requirements
The WA Verify tool appeared to have briefly been soft-launched in late October after an FAQ page went live. The page was taken down hours later, with its more formal debut occurring this week.
The DOH reports that as of Nov. 22, over 80% of the state’s population ages 12 and up received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 74% in the demographic have now been fully vaccinated.
