CALIF. HAS NO PLANS TO OFFER VACCINE ‘PASSPORTS’
California health officials have repeatedly said they have no plans to institute COVID-19 vaccine “passports” — digital or paper passes that allow vaccinated residents or those who’ve tested negative into concerts, baseball games and other sports arenas.
But earlier this month, the state announced reopening rules for indoor live events that give businesses an incentive to demand such proof from ticket holders. Businesses can hold larger events when they verify either of the safeguards.
“Of course, it is a form of a vaccine passport,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, a UC Berkeley infectious disease expert.
That California has not embraced the label is unsurprising, he said.
“What is happening to vaccine passports is the same thing that happened with masks,” Swartzberg said. “It has become politicized, and that is really just unfortunate.”
As the pandemic continues, vaccination requirements by California employers, colleges and others will probably grow, particularly once vaccines can be easily obtained and win formal federal approval. Private companies and medical and education institutions are already working to produce a pass, akin to an airline boarding pass, that could be used digitally or printed out.
“The idea of vaccine verification is very old,” said Dr. Christopher A. Longhurst, a professor of pediatrics and chief information officer for UC San Diego.
Scores of countries require that travelers carry “yellow cards” verifying inoculation against yellow fever or other diseases. In the United States, children have long been required to be vaccinated to attend schools and camps.
“What is new and different and what is scaring some people is the idea of vaccine verification not for employment or school registration but for daily activities,” said Longhurst. “You need to show it more frequently.”
UCLA constitutional law professor Eugene Volokh said a vaccine pass might have generated less opposition if it hadn’t been dubbed a passport, which is a government-issued document and “makes it sound like the government is controlling your movement . ... It’s just not an American thing to be constantly told, ‘Your papers, please,’ ” he said.