Google Update: Digital COVID-19 Vaccination Cards on Android

Google Enables Digital Storage of COVID-19 Credentials on Android

Google is now facilitating the storage of digital COVID-19 test results and vaccination cards directly on Android devices. The company announced on Wednesday an update to its Passes API. This update empowers developers within healthcare organizations, governmental bodies, and other public health-authorized entities to generate digital versions of these credentials.

How the Passes API Works

The Passes API is commonly utilized for storing items such as boarding passes, loyalty programs, gift cards, and event tickets within users’ Google Pay wallets. However, Google clarifies that the Google Pay application itself is not a prerequisite for this new functionality.

Users who do not have Google Pay installed will have the option to save the digital COVID Card directly to their device. Access will be provided through a dedicated home screen shortcut. It’s important to note that Google does not retain copies of these cards.

Card Details and Accessibility

The digital cards will prominently display the logo and branding of the issuing healthcare provider or organization. They will also include essential personal information, such as the individual’s name, date of birth, and details related to the vaccine – including the manufacturer and date of administration – or test results.

Healthcare providers and organizations can inform users about the availability of digital card downloads via email, SMS messaging, or through their mobile websites and applications, as detailed in a support document.

Current Partnerships and Future Rollout

Google showcased an example of a COVID-19 Vaccination Card from Healthvana, a company serving L.A. County. While specific details regarding other healthcare providers adopting the technology remain undisclosed, Google confirms that additional partnerships and state-level integrations are in progress.

The names of these partners are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Important Considerations

This Passes API update does not immediately allow Android users to create digital versions of their COVID vaccination cards. Many individuals have been relying on photographs or, inadvisably, laminating their physical cards as a backup method. (Lamination is discouraged, as the card may need to be updated for booster shots.)

Instead, the update provides developers with the tools to export data from their systems regarding COVID-19 tests and vaccinations to a localized digital card on Android devices. The extent of availability to end-users will depend on the rate of developer adoption.

Device Requirements

To utilize this feature, Android devices must be running Android 5 or a later version and be Play Protect certified. Play Protect is a licensing program ensuring the device operates with genuine Google applications. A device lock screen is also required for enhanced security.

The initial rollout of this update will begin in the U.S., with plans for expansion to other countries to follow.

Global Context and Vaccine Passports

The U.S. is currently lagging behind other regions in offering digital vaccination credentials. The EU’s COVID certificate, which encompasses vaccination status, test results, and recovery information, has recently launched and will be recognized across all EU member states to facilitate cross-border travel.

Israel previously released a vaccine passport enabling vaccinated individuals to present a “green pass” at venues requiring proof of vaccination. Japan is aiming to implement vaccination passports by the end of July for international travel purposes.

U.S. Landscape and Clarification

Within the U.S., only a limited number of states have active vaccine certification applications. Numerous others have either prohibited or are contemplating prohibiting vaccine passports, a term that has become politically sensitive.

Therefore, Google’s digital vaccination card functions as a digital replica of the physical card and is not linked to any governmental initiatives or considered a formal “vaccine passport.”