clearme2If you're one of the many attendees who've already registered for the 40th Annual Payroll Congress happening May 10-13 in Las Vegas, then take the next step and download the free CLEAR app before you go. 

By uploading your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to the CLEAR app, you will be able to provide the necessary proof that you've received the COVID-19 vaccination as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

In November 2021, the APA outlined its new health and safety protocols for event attendees, staff members, speakers, and exhibitors who attend any of the APA's in-person events. Under the updated health and safety protocols, anyone who wants to attend an in-person APA event in 2022 must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

The easiest and most convenient way to show proof that you meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement is through CLEAR's Health Pass. So, what is the Health Pass, and how does it work? 

The Health Pass is a free digital health record that can be downloaded from your favorite app store and stored on your iPhone or Android mobile device. The Health Pass is a free feature in the CLEAR app and a paid membership to CLEAR is not required. 

Users must first enroll in the CLEAR app and follow these five steps to set up their Health Pass:

1. Download the free CLEAR app from the Google PlayStore or Apple Store

2. Tap the blue Health Pass tile, and enter APA's event code, which will be emailed to attendees seven days before event start date

3. Scan your government-issued ID (military or state ID card, driver license, U.S. permanent resident ID card, or a U.S. passport) and snap a photo to confirm you are you

4. Complete your Health Pass checklist and upload your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card

5. A green Health Pass means you're all set, and you will use the "green" Health Pass app to collect your attendee badge onsite at Congress 

The CLEAR app uses technology, such as facial recognition, to verify your identity when you use the Health Pass feature. It will also link your COVID-19 vaccination record to your account. This is how your digital COVID-19 vaccination card will be created. The data used to create your Health Pass will not be collected or stored by APA. 

We are asking our staff members, speakers, exhibitors, and all attendees to download the free CLEAR app and create their Health Pass before coming to Congress. Aside from having the convenience of the Health Pass, we want everyone to know that we take your health and welfare very seriously and will have masks and hand sanitizer available throughout the Payroll Congress. 

You can learn more by going to the APA's health and safety frequently asked questions page. 

If you haven't registered for the biggest payroll educational event of the year, there is still time. Register for the 40th Annual Payroll Congress, May 10-13, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas today. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Bryan Kirk is Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for the APA.