Local college officials are expressing concern over fake vaccination cards as they look to enforce campus safety rules for the fall semester.

Sacred Heart Public Safety Chief Gary MacNamara says campus health protocols depend on having an accurate count of who's vaccinated.

"This takes fake IDs to a whole other level. We're talking about a health crisis," he said.

Religious and medical exemptions are available, but anyone who gets one will have some extra rules to follow on campus.

"They at least have to have their first vaccination before they get here, and then they have a two-week window where they can get their second dose," MacNamara said.

He adds students lying about their vaccination status could put the whole campus at risk.

"The connotations could be drastic, and certainly could affect the health of a lot of individuals," he said.

Fraudsters have been seen selling fake vaccination cards on Instagram at $25 each. MacNamara says using a fake ID isn't just a campus violation, it's a crime.

"When you obtain a document, basically that could potentially be a felony."

Mete Yanbul says it's no secret fake cards are available online. He points out that unlike a phony ID, getting vaccinated is free of charge.

"I think it costs more to get the fake, so I think you should just get it so we can all go back to normal life. I think everybody wants to do that," Yanbul said.

Sacred Heart students will move in for the fall semester starting Aug. 26.