Vaccine "passports" show whether someone has been vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19. A COVID "passport" would allow people to freely travel, attend concerts, or attend sporting events without getting tested. The term "Passport" may be misleading according to some professionals. A Health Verification Travel [or Participation] (HVT or HVP) card is another approach for nomenclature.

While there has been much debate about vaccine passports recently, the concept of requiring proof of immunization to occupy certain spaces dates back to 1796, when the smallpox vaccine was developed. This smallpox vaccine is the first known vaccine and confirmation of having taken it was a prerequisite for travelers, mostly pilgrims, entering British India or going to Mecca for the Hajj.

Vaccine certification checks are even codified under international law with the first protocols defined under the International Health Regulations (IHR) adopted by World Health Organization (WHO) member countries in 1951. The IHR allowed member states to demand proof of vaccination as a condition of entry. Currently, yellow fever is the only disease specified in the IHR. The WHO has recommended that certain high-risk countries require travelers to provide vaccination certificates for diseases from which their population has not been sufficiently inoculated.

Currently in the United States, the only state with a "COVID Passport" program is New York via a government-sponsored smartphone app produced in partnership with the private company, Excelsior Pass. The online program is designed to securely display New Yorkers' COVID-related information and help authenticate a person's vaccination or proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test. Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, people can print out their Excelsior Pass or store it on their phones using the mobile app. Each pass will have a secure QR code, which venues or businesses can scan using a companion app to confirm the user's COVID health status.

New York Excelsior Pass Application

The European Union is introducing a Digital Green Certificate to remove obstacles to free movement within the EU. It is intended for each EU citizen who has received a COVID-19 vaccine, recovered from COVID-19, or had a negative test result. The Digital Green Certificate is intended to help revive the multi-billion tourism and leisure industries that have been pulverized by the pandemic.

European Union Proposes Digital Green Certificate

— Source: Northern Arizona University— Source: Northern Arizona University
— Source: Northern Arizona University

Some critics say travel certificates would primarily benefit people in wealthier countries and relatively affluent people within each country who are most likely to be vaccinated quickly and likely to have smartphones. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) is opposed to opening travel to only those who have been vaccinated. President and CEO Gloria Guevara said it will take a significant amount of time to vaccinate the global population, particularly those in less advanced countries. Therefore, countries should not discriminate against those who wish to travel but have not been vaccinated.

Most countries around the world require a mandatory negative COVID-19 test result for all incoming passengers, taken no more than 72 hours before departure. The WTTC argues that a system of showing negative COVID-19 test results was already working well and doesn't discriminate against people who cannot get hold of the vaccine or who live in countries that cannot afford to vaccinate its population as quickly as the U.S. or the U.K.

Vaccine passports are increasingly viewed as the key to unlocking the world after a year of pandemic-induced lockdowns. They are also stirring complicated political and ethical debates about discrimination, inequality, and privacy. In the United States there is no federal mandate requiring everyone to obtain a single vaccination credential.

Acknowledgment: This research sponsored by the GloMed.Education website.

Works Cited

Fred DeMicco
Northern Arizona University