Vaccine Passport Q&A

What is a vaccine passport?

A “passport” would prove you’ve been vaccinated. It would probably be a paper or digital document of some kind.

Why do some people want vaccine passports?

Right now, it’s not easy to prove you’ve been vaccinated. Vaccination cards aren’t very secure, and there are no centralized records.

Vaccine passports could make it safer and easier to travel, gather, or dine indoors.

Many companies, universities, and employers want to ensure a safe environment for their employees and customers. They may also worry about legal and reputation risks if people get sick on their premises.

Why do some people oppose vaccine passports?

A lot of people have wanted to wait for more information before they get vaccinated. Unfortunately some people have chosen not to get vaccinated due to disinformation or political considerations. They are worried that they won’t be able to go places and do things if they can’t prove they’ve been vaccinated.

Would a vaccine passport violate my civil rights?

No. In 1905, during the smallpox epidemic, the Supreme Court ruled that the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts could fine residents who refused vaccines. In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, you probably won’t be forced to have them, but you could miss out on things like airline travel, school, and some jobs if you don’t.

Would a vaccine passport be a HIPAA violation?

No. Any organization can ask any employee or customer whether or not they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 without violating HIPAA.

Do vaccine passports already exist?

Sort of.

Some countries require international travelers to prove they’ve been vaccinated against things like yellow fever or cholera. Several now require proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Schools, universities, camps, and sports leagues have long required vaccination records before enrolling students.

Will states require vaccine passports?

Most of this is still hypothetical. New York is the only state that has a program in place to register proof of vaccination. Florida and Texas have banned certification requirements.