Passport19 Feb 2021 19:32
As officials around the world try and get a handle on the coronavirus pandemic, some UK businesses and politicians have suggested introducing a "passport" that proves someone has been vaccinated against the infection.
This may be required before an individual can travel, get a job or even enter a pub.
Certain countries have a similar system for yellow fever, with travellers only allowed in if they carry a card proving they are immunised against the viral disease.
With the UK government not enforcing coronavirus vaccinations, some have argued introducing a passport system could be unlawful.
Read more: I felt guilty for having the coronavirus vaccine
As the debate rages on, scientists from The Royal Society have outlined 12 criteria a coronavirus vaccine passport must fulfil in order for a programme to be implemented effectively.
Vaccination healthcare concept. Hands of doctor or nurse in medical gloves injecting a shot of vaccine to a man patient
The length of immunity vaccines provide, and their effectiveness against new coronavirus variants, is somewhat unclear. (Stock, Getty Images)
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"An effective vaccine passport system that would allow the return to pre-COVID-19 activities, including travel, without compromising personal or public health, must meet a set of demanding criteria, but it is feasible," said co-lead author Professor Christopher Dye, from the University of Oxford.
"First there is the science of immunity, then the challenges of something working across the world that is durable, reliable and secure.
"There are the legal and ethical issues, and if you can crack all that, you have to have the trust of the people.
"Huge progress has been made in many of these areas, but we are not there yet.
"At the most basic level, we are still gathering data on exactly how effective each vaccine is in preventing infection and transmission, and on how long the immunity will last."
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"Immunity risk certification" was introduced in April 2020 as the sixth pillar of the UK government's contract tracing plan.
Uncertainties around antibody test results, which indicate immunity, "resulted in a stepping back from this position".
On 24 January 2021, it was reported the innovation agency Innovate UK had granted eight projects a total of £450,000 ($629,912) to carry out feasibility studies into developing vaccine passports and coronavirus-status apps.
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A vaccine passport is a form of identification "consisting of data related to the vaccination", including its date, the type of jab and place of immunisation, which is linked "to the identity of the holder".
Negative coronavirus tests are being used as a form of passport for international travel amid the pandemic, coupled with other non-pharmaceutical interventions like contact tracing, quarantining and face coverings.
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