Countries wondering whether to have vaccine passports
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The reading
Governments around the world may create "vaccine passports" to help open up societies. The passport would be a record of the holder having had the COVID-19 vaccine. It could be downloaded on a smartphone or it could be added to the microchip in identity cards. Businesses such as restaurants and theatres might require people to show their passport before they enter. People may also need one to enter venues to watch sporting events. Supporters of the passports say it would also allow people to travel overseas more easily. The World Health Organization is looking at a possible international scheme. This would require countries to agree on what kind of passport is necessary.
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Opponents of vaccine passports say they are unfair and could create inequality in society. Many people do not want the vaccine. Some people say it goes against their religion. Other people do not trust the vaccine and say it has not been tested enough and is therefore unsafe. Some people worry about the security of their health data. These people may not be able to go to restaurants or get on airplanes. Israel's Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said anyone unwilling or unable to get the jab will be "left behind" in life. In addition, the vaccine is not available to everyone in the world. A human rights professor said: "For many low-income countries, most people won't be vaccinated for many years."
Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56198552
- https://www.ft.com/content/0c399709-9de5-4302-b9fd-849d1b0e522c
- https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccination-passports-7a8ce11ce37c309d97969ab71df26e62
