Apple iOS 15 update lets users store COVID-19 vaccine, test verification on Health app - Desert Sun

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Showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or testing just became a little easier for Apple smartphone users.

The tech giant's newest phone update iOS 15, which was released this week, now allows users to download and store verifiable health records, such as their digital COVID-19 vaccination card and test results, in the Health app.

Patrons at Palm Springs and Cathedral City restaurants and bars have had to show proof of vaccination or a 72-hour negative COVID-19 test to dine or drink indoors in recent weeks. The latest update is another way they can show proof to gain entry.

Read more: Eating inside in Palm Springs? You now must bring vaccine proof or a negative COVID test^[1]

More: Cathedral City to require masks in indoor public settings, proof of vaccination for indoor restaurants and bars^[2]

To access the new feature, California residents can visit the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record portal at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/^[3]. On the website, visitors will be asked to fill out their name, date of birth, contact information and create a four-digit pin.

Based on the contact information they provide — phone number or email — Californians will receive a link to retrieve their COVID-19 vaccine record. If they access the link on their Apple device, it will take them to their SMART Health Card record that comes with a QR code. 

Read more: How to set up your California digital COVID-19 vaccine record — and how to scan QR code^[4]

To save the record, users can either take a screenshot, download the image or click the "Works with Apple Health" button. 

Apple users can find their immunization record on the Health app by clicking the "Browse" tab at the bottom of their screen and finding the "Health Records" section. Under "Immunizations," users will see their one-dose Johnson & Johnson or two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccine record. The individual's name, birthday and date(s) of vaccination are displayed, along with a QR code. 

Similarly, to add a COVID-19 test result, users will click on the download link they receive from the health provider and hit "Add to Health."

If a health care provider supports Health Records on iPhone and verifiable health records, individuals can connect to their provider in the Health app, and the verifiable health records will automatically download. To learn how to add health records, visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208680^[5].

QR codes given by a vaccine or test provider can also be scanned.

Apple announced that an upcoming software update will also allow users to add verifiable COVID-19 vaccination records in their Apple Wallet, where they can already store boarding passes, credit cards, movie tickets and coupons.

Ema Sasic covers health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

References

1. ^{^} Eating inside in Palm Springs? You now must bring vaccine proof or a negative COVID test (www.desertsun.com)
2. ^{^} Cathedral City to require masks in indoor public settings, proof of vaccination for indoor restaurants and bars (www.desertsun.com)
3. ^{^} https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ (myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov)
4. ^{^} How to set up your California digital COVID-19 vaccine record — and how to scan QR code (www.desertsun.com)
5. ^{^} https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208680 (support.apple.com)