I connected with RIDOH, and while they didn’t recommend a full-proof way to verify, they did share the following best practices:
- Check to make sure their identification (driver’s license, utility bill, school records, or other documentation) matches the name on their CDC vaccine card. If included on the identification, you can also check to see if the birth date matches.
- A Valid CDC vaccination cards should include all the following information: product name, date of dose(s), vaccine lot number, patient’s date of birth, the clinic/location or medical provider’s name, and possibly an IIS reference number.
- If the individual is presenting a card with a two-dose vaccine (e.g., Moderna, Pfizer), check to see if the dates of the two doses are spaced appropriately (e.g., at least 1 month apart for Moderna, at least 3 weeks apart for Pfizer).
- Check to see if the card measures 4” x 3” in size (however, note that these dimensions may be different if it is a scanned/printed copy).
- Ask the individual if their card was issued at an authorized site. Explain that you’re asking because it’s against the federal to present a false COVID-19 vaccine card.
An employer may also wish to mention/remind employees (as part of a broader vaccine verification process initiative) that providing a fake COVID-19 vaccination record card violates federal law, per a Public Service Announcement by the FBI issued on March 30, 2021 (link).
We are awaiting OSHA’s issuance of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) regarding the vaccine/testing mandate for employers with 100+ employees. We anticipate that this ETS will have some helpful parameters and/or guidance for verifying proof of vaccination. We will be sure to keep you posted as we learn more about this ETS. We will be having a workshop on 11/16 that OSHA will be presenting information on this…hopefully.