MAINE, USA — The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) has partnered with a new, free, mobile application "Docket" to give Mainers easy access to their vaccination records directly on their mobile devices.
The Maine CDC launched the new app after seeing an increased demand for access to vaccination records, which were previously processed by mail, Maine Department of Health and Human Services Press Secretary Lindsay Hammes said in a Wednesday news release.
So far this year, the Maine CDC has reported 3,000 requests for vaccination records and between 2020 and 2023, nearly 10,000 requests. Looking at pre-pandemic numbers, the Maine CDC said they only received 111 requests for vaccination records in 2019.
How does the app work?
Once a person's identity has been verified through the app, Docket searches Maine's Immunization Information System using basic demographic information such as name, date of birth, and sex, which will pull up the individual's records onto their mobile device, according to the release.
“Docket can be used to share immunization records with health care providers, for school or child care registration, or as a reminder for Maine people about vaccinations that they are due to receive,” Maine CDC Director Dr. Puthiery Va said in the release. “With schools starting, weather getting cooler, and respiratory virus season upon us, this new app makes it easier and faster for Maine people to put their hands on their up-to-date vaccination records right when they need them."
You must be 18 years or older to use the app. However, parents and guardians will be able to access vaccine records on behalf of minors in their care. The app is free and available for download in Apple and Android app stores, the release stated.
The Maine CDC said those without access to smartphones or mobile devices can use the Docket website to verify their identity and access their immunization records.
Hard copies of your immunization records can still be requested through your healthcare provider's office.
To learn more about Docket, please visit the Maine Immunization Program’s website by clicking here.