We know you’re excited, but post your sticker instead!

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As the Covid vaccine rolls out to more people around the country and the world, we’ve lost track of how many vaccine information cards we've seen across social networks and chat apps. While selfies are encouraged as a way to express joy at being vaccinated and broadcast that people are doing their part to help stop the spread of Covid-19, multiple government agencies have warned about the risks of posting vaccine card images online.

There have been a number of Covid-19 scams, ranging from people pretending to be Covid-19 contact tracers to fake websites promising vaccine appointments.

Posting an unedited vaccination card, unfortunately, makes it much easier for a criminal to target a specific person. In some cases, a person's medical record number is listed on the card. To gain access to sensitive medical records over the phone, having the medical record number, last name, and date of birth -- all of which are listed on the vaccination card -- are all that is needed to gain access to sensitive details.

With or without the medical record number on vaccine cards could also allow a hacker to conduct a phishing scheme to steal data and passwords. With the lot number of the vaccine you received or the location of the place where you got the shot, they'd be able to spoof the email address of that facility with a message about, for example, a recall urging you to click a link, supposedly to reschedule an updated dose but really intended to take information from you.

By only posting your vaccine card online because it was shared privately to your followers is still not safe. Security experts have long said the people most likely to commit identity theft are friends and family.

Snapping a photo while wearing the sticker gets the same message across without the security risk.

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We have Rapid and regular Covid testing as well as a wide range of other medical lab testing available. Call for an appointment.

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