Sep. 15—The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a new smartphone application that allows residents to have a digital copy of their immunization records, including whether they've received the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Docket app is available in both the Apple and Android app stores. With a users permission it connects with the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection allowing secure viewing and sharing of immunization records.

Release of the application comes after the state Department of Health has been flooded with requests for vaccination records. So far this year, there have been more than 33,000 vaccine record requests with 19,000 coming since July 1.

In 2020 the state got 12,000 vaccine record requests and 13,000 requests were made in 2019.

"We recognize the importance of having a secure and convenient way to find, view, and share your and your family's immunization records, such as needing records for school or child care," Kris Ehresmann, director of the infectious disease division for the state Department of Health.

She noted that the application allows residents to see which vaccines may be overdue or needed in the future.

"This is vital to making sure people are protected from preventable disease," Ehresmann said.

More and more businesses, employers and venues are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccines. President Joe Biden announced vaccine requirements last week that will impact about 100 million workers nationwide.

Yet, Gov. Tim Walz previously said, in April, he had "no intention" of using so-called vaccine passports.

About 71 percent of Minnesotans eligible for COVID-19 vaccines have gotten at least one dose.

The Docket app allow residents to access a digital copy of their vaccination records without having to sign up for an app specifically intended for verifying COVID-19 vaccines. Docket uses two-factor security and searches for immunization records based on a person's name and date of birth.

Residents who don't have a smart phone or don't want to use the app can still request a record of their vaccinations from the state or their health care provider. Those requests are currently taking weeks because of increased demand.

TO KNOW MORE

Those wanting their immunization record without a smartphone or does not want to use the app can request their immunization record from MDH or their health care provider. For more information, go to https://health.state.mn.us and search "Find My Immunization Record."

Docket is free and available for download in Apple and Android app stores. For more information, go online to https://docket.care/