Some of those who are fortunate enough to have received the COVID-19 vaccine are so excited that they have been posting their vaccine card on social media accounts. Perhaps when they post it, they are not looking at it as they would a credit card number, driver’s license, or Social Security card. However, the information on the vaccine card is personal information that can be used, in combination with other personal information, to put you at risk of identity theft.

Depending on the state in which you live and where you obtain your vaccine, different data elements may be included on the vaccine card, including your name, address, date of birth, vaccine dates, and where you were vaccinated. All of this information is private and personal and could be used by criminals to try to steal your identity. Furthermore, the information can be used to make a fake vaccination card, in the same manner that criminals make fake Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and credit cards.

Treat your vaccine card just as you do other important documents. It is exciting to receive the vaccine and share your joy; think twice before posting the vaccine card on any social media accounts.

Photo of Linn Foster Freedman Linn Foster Freedman

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her…

Linn Freedman practices in data privacy and security law, cybersecurity, and complex litigation. She is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Financial Services Cyber-Compliance Team, and chairs the firm’s Data Privacy and Security and Artificial Intelligence Teams. Linn focuses her practice on compliance with all state and federal privacy and security laws and regulations. She counsels a range of public and private clients from industries such as construction, education, health care, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, utilities and critical infrastructure, marine and charitable organizations, on state and federal data privacy and security investigations, as well as emergency data breach response and mitigation. Linn is an Adjunct Professor of the Practice of Cybersecurity at Brown University and an Adjunct Professor of Law at Roger Williams University School of Law.  Prior to joining the firm, Linn served as assistant attorney general and deputy chief of the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Rhode Island. She earned her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law and her B.A., with honors, in American Studies from Newcomb College of Tulane University. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.