MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Officials are reminding residents that the buying or selling of fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is illegal and could lead to punishment.
“Legitimate COVID-19 vaccine cards—like the vaccines themselves—are crucial tools to prevent illness and death. People who are foolish or selfish (or both) enough to supply bogus vaccination cards, allowing others to circumvent COVID-19 curtailment efforts, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
That also includes filling out your legitimate COVID-19 vaccination card yourself. Officials say if you forget your card or your healthcare provider fills it out incorrectly after your shots- do not mark it yourself. Instead, take it back to your provider to have them fill it out for you.
You’re also encouraged to not post photos of your completed COVID-19 vaccination card on social media or the internet- as that could lead to your card being duplicated and sold as a fake. If you must post a photo of it online, cover all official US seals and personal data.
“COVID-19 vaccines provide important protection for all of us when we are at school, attending public events, using mass transit, at the workplace, or attending a place of worship. Those who might claim to be vaccinated when they are not are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Get vaccinated, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and add an extra layer of protection by wearing a mask in public places including for teachers, staff and students in our schools.”
Additionally, the use of official US seals such as those for the FDA or CDC to falsify documents may be punishable under Title 18 of the US Code.
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