Will You Need a COVID-19 Vaccine Passport?

The rumors have been circulating for a while now around the so-called “vaccine passport,” but no one knows exactly what the world will look like in the next few months or even years.

While many people have already been fully vaccinated across the U.S., there is a large group of Americans who are hesitant against the vaccine. Many have said there is not enough research, the FDA rushed the approval, etc.

Here in America, we are grateful to have the freedom to make our own decisions – but will our freedoms be protected when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine?

What is a Vaccine Passport?

A vaccine passport is basically proof that you are fully vaccinated and it could be as simple as downloading a QR code onto a mobile app. Many cruise lines and schools are requiring full COVID vaccinations. Some states, like Washington DC, will let you travel into the state freely and without a negative COVID test if you show proof that you have been fully vaccinated.

The Biden administration said that they do not plan to build a nationwide app for proof of vaccinations, but some private companies have already gotten started. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, “Development of a vaccine passport, or whatever you want to call it, will be driven by the private sector.” However, Psaki also said that they will offer recommendations to these companies and provide them with certain standards. Although this administration is not directly funding an app, it seems as though they are supportive of the idea.

States In Support of Vaccine Passports

It comes as no surprise that these vaccine passports have become a political debate between the left and right. These states have voiced their support of the idea:

• New York
• California

New York has been the only state to create its own vaccine passport, so far. If states hop on board, this may impact your freedom to travel to certain places.

States That Are Banning Vaccine Passports

The red states have spoken. The governors from the following states have already announced executive orders to reject the use of vaccine passports or any documentation regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.

• Texas
• Florida
• Arizona
• Montana
• Idaho
• South Dakota
• Utah

These states have argued that your medical records are private information, and you should have the right to keep them private. Some have also said these passports place a limit on individual freedoms.

The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Director Lawrence Gostin previously told NBC News that these orders may not have much of an impact if it reaches a federal level.

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