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Countries wondering whether to have vaccine passports

Vaccine Passport - Level 0

Many governments want "vaccine passports". They will show if you have had the COVID-19 vaccine. They might help society to open up. Restaurants might ask people for their passport. Passports would make overseas travel easier. The WHO is looking at a possible international passport.

Opponents of the passports say they are unfair. Many people do not want the vaccine. They say it goes against their religion. Israel's health minister said those who do not get the jab will be "left behind" in life. Not everyone in the world can get the vaccine. Most people in poorer countries will not be vaccinated for many years.

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Vaccine Passport - Level 1

Governments may create "vaccine passports" to open up society. The passport will show if you have had the COVID-19 vaccine. Businesses such as restaurants might ask people to show their passport. Supporters of the passports say they would make overseas travel easier. The World Health Organization is looking at a possible international passport. Countries will have to agree on what kind is necessary.

Opponents of vaccine passports say they are unfair. They say the passports will create inequality. Many people do not want the vaccine. They say it goes against their religion, or it is unsafe. Israel's health minister said those who do not get the jab will be "left behind" in life. Also, not everyone in the world can get the vaccine. A human rights professor said: "For many low-income countries, most people won't be vaccinated for many years."

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Vaccine Passport - Level 2

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Governments may create "vaccine passports" to open up society. The passport will show the holder has had the COVID-19 vaccine. It could be put on a smartphone or in the microchip of identity cards. Businesses such as restaurants and theatres might ask people to show their passport. We may need one to watch sporting events. Supporters of the passports say they would let people travel overseas more easily. The World Health Organization is looking at a possible international passport. This would require countries to agree on what kind is necessary.

Opponents of vaccine passports say they are unfair and will create inequality. Many people do not want the vaccine. Some say it goes against their religion. Other people say it has not been tested and is unsafe. Some people worry about the security of their health data. Israel's health minister said those who do not 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."

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Vaccine Passport - Level 3

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.

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."

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