Stop and think before you share that vaccine card selfie
Feb 1, 2021, 3:51 PM
A nurse administers the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Guy's Hospital in London, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Many people have been sharing photos of their vaccine card in a selfie meant to celebrate receiving the shot, but the Better Business Bureau says it's a bad idea. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)
(AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool)
SALT LAKE CITY — The COVID-19 vaccine card selfie has become a rite of passage for Americans receiving the vaccine. But the Better Business Bureau says you should stop and think before you share.
“Unfortunately, your card has your full name and your birthday on it, as well as information about where you got your vaccine,” said Britta Clark with the Better Business Bureau of Utah. “Some people I’ve seen have been posting their entire family’s cards, which is obviously a big risk as to giving away private information and identities.”
Clark says you should be careful sharing anything on social media that includes personal information.
“Eventually, if the wrong person sees it, they’re going to do what they can to, you know, put together the pieces about who you are and what information they can take and use to their advantage,” Clark said.
There may be other reasons not to share the vaccine card selfie, according to Clark; scammers have already been caught selling phony versions, and the cards could become important in the future for travel or other purposes.
Her advice: take the same precaution with the information on the vaccine card in your selfie that you would with your social security number or other personal information. Consider sharing a photo of the bandage over your injection site or the free sticker you receive instead.
How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Obtain a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
