SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health has set up an online digital vaccination record system that they say will be only accessible to individuals to check on their own COVID-10 records and share via their phones that they have had the COVID-19 vaccination. The identification system, Vax Verify, can be accessed at https://idphportal.illinois.gov
The system demonstrates that the state has developed a state-owned and state-controlled centralized system of reporting those who've chosen to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Illinois Review has requested from the IDPH whether the system includes folks that have filed religious or medical exemptions. We will report when they respond.
UPDATE: IDPH spokesperson Melaney Arnold responded: "Vax Verify has information about what vaccines an individual has received; not those they have not."
From a press release issued Wednesday morning:
“As more businesses, events, organizations, and others require proof of vaccination, Illinois residents will be able to confirm using Vax Verify that they have been vaccinated for COVID-19,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “With the current surge in cases, more people are making the decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine and this new tool will aid residents in confirming their vaccination where needed.”
Illinois State Fair concert goers with tickets for the grandstand track area (also known as Standing Room Only) are required to provide a print or digital copy of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours. Ticket holders can register in Vax Verify to check their immunization record for documentation of COVID-19 vaccination.
More and more companies, such as United, Google, Netflix, Morgan Stanley, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ascension Health, and Lyft, are instituting vaccine requirements for at least some of their employees.
The verification system follows best practices to protect confidential health information. In order to download proof of vaccination, residents will go through a brief, one-time identity verification process to gain access to their immunization history. The State of Illinois utilizes Experian® as its identity verification service provider. Individuals who have placed a freeze on their credit will need to unfreeze their credit with Experian® and wait 24 hours before completing the registration process. After completing registrations, individuals can re-freeze their credit by contacting Experian®.
After the verification process, individuals can see their own record in the Illinois Comprehensive Automated Immunization Registry Exchange (I-CARE).
Immunization records are kept confidential and only the individual can access their vaccination history. Parents should talk with their child’s provider to confirm their vaccination status. Some individuals with very common names will need to take additional steps to securely prove their identities.
Go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you.
