A pragmatic approach to COVID-19 vaccine passport

Abstract

### Summary box While COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs are gaining momentum globally, the issue of vaccine passports is generating debate among policy-makers and public health specialists. As lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus has been crippling the economy, curtailing civil liberty and confining people to their homes, governments worldwide have been exploring the potential of vaccine passport to allow more freedom of domestic movements aiming at eventually allowing international travel.1 However, this move has attracted concerns due to several challenges and perceived ethical issues.2 3 Despite these, many governments are exploring strategies to find a balance between protecting public health and returning life to near normal. A vaccine passport and other public health measures have been considered a tool for achieving the balance to minimise the impacts of repeated lockdowns and strict travel restrictions. The USA and the UK have been debating on the introduction of vaccine passports for domestic use. The European Union (EU) has already introduced one for international travel, while Australia is considering implementation strategies. Israel became the first country to introduce a ‘green pass’ allowing vaccinated people to access community activities, large gatherings and eating out in restaurants.4–7 However, whether other countries will adopt …