WJCT News 89.9 listeners have written in several questions surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations as the Biden administration has announced an upcoming vaccine or testing mandate for all federal workers and private businesses with more than 100 employees.
One question was about a friend’s scheme to fraudulently obtain a vaccine card that’s required for travel to a foreign country. The plan, this friend said, was to find someone to impersonate him for the actual jab — a plan based on the assumption that vaccine providers don’t ask for ID and would simply write down whatever name and birthdate they’re given on the vaccine card.
Could this work? And if it does, how can I report this person to the authorities, this listener asks.
Do I need an ID to get vaccinated?
While the specifics vary from state to state, and even from vaccine provider to provider, some form of identification verifying your age and identity is required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The Florida Department of Health requires those receiving a vaccination to fill out and submit a COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form, which includes providing your full legal name, date of birth, and insurance information.
Minors receiving the COVID-19 vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Health Department requires identification in the form of a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Alternatively, passports, student IDs, debit or credit cards, Veterans Affairs health identification cards, concealed carry permit or military ID may also suffice.
Schedule an appointment for vaccination or COVID testing on the Health Department website.
How can I report fake vaccine cards?
Assuming the friend is successful in the scheme to get a COVID vaccine card without receiving the vaccine, his fake vaccine card can be reported to the U.S. Department of Human Health and Services Office of the Inspector General online or by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS. You can also report this person to the customs or regulatory authorities for the state or country the person is attempting to visit.
Obtaining or creating fake vaccination cards is illegal and can potentially result in fines or jail time. Throughout the U.S., and in Florida, people have been arrested for attempting to skirt health regulations with fake vaccine cards.
Traveling, especially abroad, increasingly requires proof of vaccination, so your best bet to travel unrestricted is to follow public health and safety guidelines and get the vaccine if eligible.
