A Defense of Coronavirus Vaccine Passports

As the world begins to progress towards new normalcy post-COVID-19, the most effective tool we have at our disposal are vaccines. According to the CDC, 100 million Americans have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with 75 million Americans already fully vaccinated. While pervasive vaccination is a major feat, there are still more measures to further eliminate the spread of COVID-19, one of which may include a “vaccine passport”.

The theory behind vaccine passports is that they act as proof of vaccination, which many estimate will become necessary as travel restrictions lift and large events resume. Currently, many travelers must show a negative COVID-19 status at the time of traveling, and while a vaccine passport is not required, some cruise lines have plans to require one. Other events like concerts and sports may also require this sort of vaccine passport. 

It’s important to understand these potential requirements when considering getting vaccinated and getting a vaccine passport. In New York State, the Health Department has already created its own phone application, Excelsior Pass, that allows users to store their credentials in a digital wallet. 

“Think of it as a mobile airline boarding pass, but for proving you received a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test,” the NYS website reads.

Though NYS has introduced this sort of system, many residents along with people across the nation are wary of vaccine passports due to privacy concerns and limitations that may come as a consequence of not having an official vaccination passport. These types of concerns are valid, yet it is important to think about these concerns critically to understand that these vaccine passports are not an infringement of privacy. 

Rather, these potential limitations will only exist when you allow them to exist. Ultimately, these are temporary measures until this pandemic has subsided to the point where these will no longer be required.

One of the main issues raised in the conversation around vaccination passports is the privacy concern that the federal government can keep track of who is and is not vaccinated. As it stands, the Biden administration does not plan to implement vaccine passports federally, which can ease concerns about government involvement in this process. 

Locally, the Excelsior Pass app allows fully vaccinated NYS residents to report their vaccine status as well as negative COVID-19 test results onto their phones through a scannable QR code. In this case, the vaccine passport has been left to the state and its partnership with IBM to create. In terms of privacy protections, no health information is stored on your phone directly. No location tracking is available and the only information recorded includes number of app downloads and deletions, and basic information like full name, date of birth, and the vaccination record or negative COVID-19 test. 

Many states already keep records of whenever an individual receives a vaccine, not just for COVID-19. Per the disclosure agreement upon registering for an Excelsior Pass, the information recorded to create the pass does not violate federal HIPAA requirements, since a physician does not provide the service of creating a passport. 

Another consideration by critics of the passport is the possibility that it will limit their ability to participate in certain activities. But, when expressing the concerns on limitations, keep in mind that these limitations exist when you allow them to, as this is a voluntary measure. You are not required by law to be vaccinated or carry a vaccine passport, yet by choosing not to, one should expect these limitations, as the COVID-19 pandemic is still underway. 

At the collegiate level, some institutions like Duke University, Brown and Syracuse have already announced a requirement of the COVID-19 vaccine for completion of on-ground classes in the Fall 2021 semester. Those who could not present a vaccine passport or proof of vaccination would not be allowed on campus until vaccination. But, this is not a new concept, as required vaccines have existed for years in the public schooling and higher education system, with Marist even requiring the usually optional flu vaccine to attend on-ground classes this semester. If Marist were to institute a vaccine passport of their own, we could expect to see lower rates of COVID-19 transmissions as well as less restrictions on campus life, as indicated by a communication from the President on Apr. 10. 

“The more quickly everyone is vaccinated, the more quickly normal campus life can resume,” the email reads. “For Marist to make informed, data-driven decisions about changes to college operations, it is imperative that we know how many students have been vaccinated. So we’re asking students who are vaccinated (either first or second shot) to upload your proof of vaccination in order to provide us with an accurate count. For you to take advantage of any potentially loosened restrictions, we must have proof of your vaccination on file.”

Thankfully, this pandemic is temporary, and the restrictions facing us still will be eventually lifted. These vaccine passports will also be a temporary measure in the long-run. Until then, it is important to listen to public health officials, and getting vaccinated and receiving a vaccine passport for times when it is necessary is important.

Vaccine Passports are a possible solution to ensuring safety at large-scale events by allowing fully vaccinated individuals to show proof of vaccination through various media. Source: Marco Verch, Flickr