put it in a plastic ….

put it in a plastic sleeve, which will protect it from stains and keep it safe and stain-free in a plastic sleeve — like the ones used for ID badges. A set of five plastic sleeves is available for $4.99 on Amazon.

According to AARP, it’s unwise to post vaccine cards on social media because the contain sensitive information. Instead, treat the card like a Social Security card. It’s important, private and uniquely personal.

People who have already laminated their cards should not panic. Staples and some other big-box stores have been offering free lamination of COVID-19 vaccine cards, so many people have laminated cards in an effort to protect them.

Should a COVID-19 booster be needed in the future, they can ask for another paper record to prove it.

People who have lost their vaccine cards or never received them in the first place can contact the site where they got their first shot. Those who are unable to reach original vaccine providers can try the California Department of Health’s Immunization Information System (IIS).

Vaccine providers are required to report all COVID vaccinations to the state.

The CDC has contact information for the IIS in your state.