COVID-19: 3 Reasons Vaccine Passports Are a Bad Idea for Domestic Use

As the COVID-19 crisis continues worldwide, there is speculation about how we will control infection. The challenge has changed a bit in recent months because several workable vaccines have proven to be effective at protecting people. One idea we have seen from the United Kingdom and various other countries is the vaccine passport concept.

Of course, it's likely something like this will be introduced for international travel. In fact, it's already been a requirement to receive various vaccinations to travel to countries around the world. Therefore, the idea of extending that for COVID-19 makes perfect logical sense.

However, it's essential to recognize the difference between that and to require proof of vaccination status domestically just for normal everyday activities. In my mind, this is a troubling development and is totally unacceptable. Read on, and I will explain why I believe this to be the case.

1. Vaccinations should not be mandatory

Various countries have stated they are against mandatory vaccinations for COVID-19, and this is where the problems start with the vaccine passport idea. The problem is I don't see how you can say one minute we don't do mandatory vaccinations here and the next require vaccine proof to go to a bar, sports event, or even a shop.

Now personally, I’m in favor of receiving the vaccination as a person under 40 with no significant health issues. However, I totally respect why someone in my age bracket or younger may not feel the need to have the vaccine. After all, the risks for young people from COVID-19 are relatively small, especially if you are only considering severe illness and possible death. Therefore, I can't support the idea of restricting what a young person can do simply because they don't feel the need to have the vaccine.

2. Health logic debatable

Even if we think the vaccine passport is required to keep us safe, the health data isn't reliable on this point. For example, it is likely someone can still carry and spread COVID-19 despite being protected by the vaccine. You see, the vaccine prevents serious illness as much as possible (but not in all cases), but it does not prevent you from carrying the virus.

The situation is even more suspect if we include recent tests(as suggested in the UK) because different forms of testing carry variable levels of accuracy. Given, there is also a suggestion that the vaccine passport could end social distancing, you can see how problematic it gets. There is equally the argument that if you vaccinate most of your adult population, what role does a vaccine passport then provide? So, if you are fully vaccinated, does it matter if the person near you is or is not?

3. Safety and ethics of health data

Okay, so even if we can show that mandatory vaccination is required and the health logic makes sense, there is still a third concern. Suddenly, various places, from shops to bars to sports stadiums, must collect health data on their customers. So, are the businesses themselves responsible for collecting and storing that data? Is it the government instead that collects the data, and if so, how? Or is it going to be a private company that does it, and if so, do they have the experience and track record of doing so?

Whichever path you go down here, there are significant problems. If the establishments themselves do it, they are collecting health data without the experience and expertise. Therefore, there will be all kinds of questions about the security of that data. Equally, if the government were to do it, then you would enforce everyone to have an app or something similar on their phone, and if it's done by a private company, then questions will be asked on what their motives might be with the data.

~

While there may be members of the public who think the idea of a vaccine passport is a good one, as a recent YouGov survey showed. There are many problems with introducing them for domestic use, as shown in this article. The biggest concern is the danger of creating a two-tier society based on whether or not you want the vaccine.

However, the move could also be considered counter-productive, especially if the health logic is debatable on the need for such a measure. There remains significant concerns on the security of this health data. Remember also that some countries, such as in Europe, have strict data protection laws. It would be easy for businesses to fall foul of them if a straightforward and efficient system is not put in place.

~

The debate on vaccine passports will continue, but hopefully, the preceding article has provided some food for thought on how problematic they can be. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share, tip or like and leave a comment on whether you are in favor of COVID-19 passports or not.