The Inevitable COVID Passport

As vaccines roll out around the world and those who are now protected from infection are returning to normal life more quickly then those still waiting, a COVID 19 Vaccination Passport is being discussed. This would provide proof that anyone who has been vaccinated has received their full vaccine and allow them to travel without restrictions and return to activities and events that others are unable to attend.

There are many unknowns with this idea and it may take months to fully formulate a plan and set it into motion, but it is becoming more likely that it will become a reality.

For years there have been certain vaccines that are necessary before entrance to some countries. These are often stamped onto a cardstock and can be carried within the passport. This has eased the spread of certain diseases to countries that are ill equipped to handle them keeping their citizens safe. As COVID has travelled the world there are several restrictions in place to keep it from spreading as quickly as it would otherwise, and a passport system can help to ease some of these restrictions for everyone who is fully vaccinated.

Cell Phone Passports

Since technology has improved drastically over the last few decades there are many other options to be considered that will allow them to be issued electronically. There are ideas of an application for a cell phone that can be scanned or show proof of vaccination.

While this may not be the most efficient for children who are not old enough to have phones, they can be included on their parents or caregivers, for billions of people worldwide, owning a smartphone is still prohibitively expensive.

There are many concerns with this type of device, as it may track users and their locations to collect information that can be a safety risk if it becomes available to the wrong people, there would be security steps necessary.

Social and Economical Divide

Other concerns are that those who are first able to receive vaccines based upon financial advantages would be allowed to return to activities and locations that other are not able too, therefore increasing the social and economical gaps, those who are vaccinated faster may be able to get different jobs or to return to work sooner, leaving the others at a disadvantage that they are unable to control.

Not only does this create a divide within communities but also a difference in expectations and experiences across different countries. It may allow some to open to travel much earlier then others, moving businesses into countries that are open and facing financial growth and away from others who are taking longer to issue their vaccines and must remain closed longer.

While the idea of a vaccine passport can be beneficial to many and it may allow several businesses and countries to get back on track economically while protecting others, it will create a divide among the people and separation between countries and within them. It must be considered carefully and rolled out in an effective and well panned manner if there is to be any vaccine passport program.