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The number of conferences, corporate meetings, and incentive travel programs are projected to increase in the 2nd half of 2021, necessitating additional health and safety considerations and planning in the months to come. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) predicts a sharp drop in cases will be coming by July 2021. This drop in cases depends on high vaccination rates and the continued following of health and safety guidelines. (1) According to the CDC, they have handed out over 140 million COVID-19 cards to people who have received at least one vaccination.

Questions About the Vaccination Cards

  •  What happens if my card is damaged or lost?

If that happens, there is no need to be fearful. All the COVID-19 vaccination providers are required to report data within 72 hours of vaccination to their state’s immunization system, meaning there will be a backup record of your vaccination status. The CDC says that if you have lost your card or were not issued one, you should first contact your vaccination provider, (2) where you received the shot. The provider will be to assist in obtaining a new card.

  • How do I store and protect my COVID-19 vaccination card?

Once fully vaccinated, the COVID-19 card becomes a valuable record that needs to be protected, just as a birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, or wedding certificate.  Several styles of cardholders are available at office supply stores or online (plastic covers/pouches used for an ID or nametag), can be used without laminating the card. These holders provide a protective cover for the card, whether you’re keeping them at home or taking them on the road. These covers do not harm your card.

  • Why shouldn’t I laminate my card to protect it?

Once laminated additional boosters or vaccines cannot be entered on the card. Conversations are already taking place about the need for booster shots plus doubling up on two different types of vaccines. (1)

  • What if I’ve already laminated my vaccination card?

You should contact your vaccination provider, (2) where you received the shot to obtain a record of your vaccination.

What Meeting Planners Want to Know

Businesses, universities, airlines, and public venues are all in the early stages of deciding how to ask their employees, students, and travelers to verify their vaccination status and whether it’s reasonable to do so in all situations. A common concern raised is that the CDC cards seem to be easily forged. The FBI has released a public warning that creating or buying a fake vaccine card is illegal.

  • Data Needs to be Protected

If you’re going to ask meeting attendees to provide proof of vaccination, the information must be protected. Companies should ensure that their privacy policy includes a disclosure that you’re collecting health information, how you’re going to use it, (3) and how you will secure and protect the data collected.

  • Tell Them and Tell Them Again

The fact that you will require proof of vaccination needs to be advertised well in advance. This needs to be on websites, registration materials, and all communications with potential attendees to explain what’s required to fully participate, what will be accepted as proof, and what options you have for those who can’t adhere to the new standards. (4)

People will become comfortable providing proof of their vaccination status as they begin to see it in other areas, such as airlines, resorts, hotels, and other public venues.

In-person events are going to look different from events held before the pandemic. Conferences and corporate meetings in 2021 will need to follow safety protocols to keep all participants safe. New registrations may include questions about COVID-19 tests, exposures, and vaccinations, as well as a code of conduct. Meeting sites may also have variations of temperature screening stations, social distancing, and onsite COVID-19 tests. Additional measures may include hand sanitizer, extra masks, plus extra attention with venue selection.

As the healthcare community learns more about disease spread, especially covid, the conversation continues about screenings, safety, and exposure tracking.  There is even talk of a digital version of the card. (5) It’s essential to be aware that vaccination cards are still new, and over time they are likely to change and evolve.

Uncertain times call for creative thinking. Contact Gavel International to be inspired with solutions that connect and engage your people.

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SOURCES:

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/cdc-predicts-spike-in-covid-19-cases-this-month-then-a-decline/
  2. http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tips/what-if-you-lose-your-vaccine-card/ar-BB1fjMt4
  3. https://www.meetingsnet.com/risk-management/can-planners-mandate-covid-vaccinations-attendees
  4. https://www.meetingsnet.com/risk-management/should-your-next-event-include-covid-waiver
  5. https://thepointsguy.com/news/what-if-you-lose-your-vaccine-card/
Jim Bozzelli
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