Washington state now issuing QR codes that serve as proof of COVID vaccination

Washington residents can now receive a state-provided QR code that will serve as proof that they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus, which should help streamline the process of getting into businesses or events that require proof of vaccination to enter.

Users can receive their QR code by visiting the state Department of Health’s WA Verify webpage. They will be asked to enter their first and last name, their date of birth and their mobile phone number or email address. They’ll also be asked to create a four-digit pin number they’ll need to enter when accessing their QR code.

If the state has your vaccine record on file, it will send you a link to your individualized QR code via text or email. You need to click the link and enter the four-digit pin you created to access your code. Once done, you can screenshot, download or print the code, which can then be presented at businesses or events that require proof of vaccination to enter.

Your vaccine provider is the one who uploads your information to the state’s immunization registry. The state will match the information you provided on its website to the information uploaded to its registry. If your record is not found — the author of this article received a link in seconds — the state recommends trying a different mobile phone number or email address.

If your record still isn’t found, the state recommends contacting your vaccination provider to see if there are any inconsistencies between your information and the information they uploaded to the registry. You can also contact the state to see if your record exists. To do so, call 360-236-3595 or email WAIISRecords@doh.wa.gov.

If you had family members that were vaccinated using the same phone number or email address, you should enter each person’s information individually — using the same number or address — and you will receive a different QR code for each person.

Other forms of vaccine proof — such as a CDC-issued vaccination card or a photo of one, a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination from MYIRmobile, a printed Certificate of Immunization Status from the state’s Immunization Registry, or a note from your medical provider — are still acceptable forms of proof in Washington, according to the state Department of Health.

Proof of vaccination is required at nearly every indoor business or event in King County. It’s also required at large events in Washington. However, a person is allowed to skip those requirements if they received a negative COVID-19 test at least 72 hours prior to the time of entry.

Gov. Jay Inslee is not yet considering mandating similar requirements for indoor businesses statewide, but has said it’s not off the table.