Live updates: Omicron Variant in Chicago

In Cook County, patrons at bars, restaurants, gyms and other indoor public venues must now prove they are fully vaccinated by showing their ID along with their CDC vaccination card — or a photo or copy of their CDC card.

But showing proof at the door can get tricky for residents who got vaccinated outside the U.S or who lost all records of their vaccination.

People who lost their vax card can obtain a copy of their records by going to the State of Illinois Vax Verify portal. Minors must have a parent or guardian request their record by filling out an immunization request form and then emailing it to dph.icare@illinois.gov. Residents can also contact the clinic or health care provider that administered the shots.

Residents who got vaccinated in other states will need to go back to the out-of-state clinic or pharmacy for their original vaccination records.

For those vaccinated outside the United States, showing proof of vaccination from another country is valid, according to city and state officials. But residents who received a vaccine that has not been approved by the U.S. Federal Drug and Food Administration need to check and make sure their vaccine is approved by the World Health Organization.

So far, the FDA has approved the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. The WHO has approved ten COVID-19 vaccines including the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. (Anyone who got vaccinated in countries where health officials recommend a single dose of the Moderna vaccine is not considered fully vaccinated in the United States.)

Residents who are fully inoculated with a vaccine that is not approved by the FDA or WHO need to get vaccinated all over again at a local clinic or pharmacy at least 28 days after their last dose abroad. Public health officials don’t recommend an additional booster shot in this case. An additional booster shot is recommended for those who received a vaccine that has been approved by the WHO but not the FDA.

Adriana Cardona-Maguigad covers education for WBEZ. Follow her on Twitter @WBEZeducation and @AdrianaCardMag.