Google LLC has added support for COVID-19 vaccine and test cards on Android devices through its Pay app’s Passes application programming interface.

Using this new setup, announced Wednesday, healthcare organizations, government agencies and other authorized entities can now create COVID vaccine and test cards that can be stored on Android devices.

The API uses the same system that the Google Pay app uses to secure non-payment cards such as retailer membership and identification cards. Once cards are stored, they can be accessed at any time and do not require an internet connection.

To use the feature, the device must support Android 5 or later and be Play Protect certified. Google also explained that installing the Google Pay app is not a requirement.

The vaccine cards are stored locally on the device. If the user wants to be able to access the information on separate devices, it will need to be manually stored across them. This is a safety feature given the sensitive nature of the information.

Google added that it does not retain a copy of the user’s COVID vaccine or test data, and does not share it with any third-party services or use it for ad targeting.

To protect the security of COVID-19 results further, a lock screen is required to store a COVID card on the device. When users want to access their COVID cards, they will be required to use their password, pin or biometric method to unlock.

Google suggests adding an icon to the home screen that allows easy access to the COVID card once added. It’s also possible to navigate through the Google Pay app or within Account services to find it.

The update to the Google Pay Passes API is only available in the United States at the moment, but the company says it plans to roll it out to other countries in the future.

Image: Google