Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Coronavirus Update 10-20-2021: How to spot a fake vaccine card

The NHL has suspended San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane 21 games for violating the League's Covid-19 protocol. His offense: supplying a fake vaccination card. 

Fake vaccine cards are out in the world, easy to find, and easy to use. Their use is also a federal crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison and grounds for termination of employment. Yet, as workplace vaccine mandates become more prevalent (and soon federally mandated), more anti-vax and vaccine-hesitant employees will take the risk instead of losing their jobs.

Do you know how to spot a fake vaccine card? Here are some telltale signs.

1/ Check that all information fields are filled out correctly. Does the name match the employee's name? Is all of the standard information included, such as the product name, the date(s) of dose(s), the vaccine lot number(s), the recipient's date of birth, and the identity of the provider(s).

2/ If all of the information on the card is machine printed, it's probably a fake, as most vaccine providers handwrite the information.

3/ Because the two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are given weeks apart, it would be rare (but not impossible) for the same person to administer both doses. Therefore, if the handwriting documenting both looks to be the same, you should be extra cautious. 

4/ If the CDC and/or HHS symbol appear to have been altered, changed, or otherwise just look "off," you may have a fake on your hands.

5/ If the card is made of non-standard CDC cardstock, it is thin (i.e., printer paper), or has rough-cut or hand-cut borders, you should be suspicious.

BONUS TIP: If the name of the vaccination is spelled incorrectly, it's a safe bet that the card is a phony.