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Although health officials have repeatedly touted the importance of keeping vaccine cards safe, they’ve also advised against laminating the easily damaged paper cards. And there’s a good reason for that, experts say.

Because scientists are still learning about the coronavirus and continue to develop treatments, vaccine cards may be updated in the future, says Dr. S. Wesley Long, a researcher at Houston Methodist Hospital. For example, when patients receive eight-month booster shots, that information will be added to their cards, Long notes.

To prevent cards from being torn or damaged in other ways, Long suggests taking a photo of your card and putting it away for safekeeping. While the image in your phone can’t be updated, it can be presented at businesses that require proof of vaccination, Long says.

Where’s your vaccination card right now?