Holidays: ‘Vaccine certificates’ will exist in ‘some form’ – ‘ethical issue’ warning
Vaccine certificate discussed by Simon Calder on Rip Off Britain
Though holidays have been placed on pause once again amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are hopes travel will resume before the year ends. However, it seems there are more changes to come which could well become the norm when travelling.
Appearing on BBC One’s Rip Off Britain, travel expert Simon Calder discussed his predictions for “vaccine certificates.”
The travel expert says they are likely to exist “in some form” however points out “there is no international agreement.”
Vaccine certificates will act as documentation proving whether or not someone has been vaccinated against covid.
They could also include additional details such as the type of vaccine a person has received, whether they had one or two, and possibly even whether or not they have any coronavirus diagnoses in their medical history.
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“The thing is I think we will get to a stage where you have a QR code on your phone which will show that you have been vaccinated,” said Mr Calder.
However, the travel expert pointed out some issues which may arise as a result of this medical data.
“Lots of privacy, lots of ethical issues about that,” he said.
“Do you really want a giant computer database to know your state of health? So it remains to be seen.”
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Though the idea of vaccine certificates may seem a little odd to some people, these aren’t necessarily a modern concept.
In particular, Mr Calder pointed to “yellow fever vaccination certificates” which he states are “still important for a lot of places.”
Some countries still require international visitors to carry a certificate showing they have been vaccinated against yellow fever.
The NHS website explains: “This is known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).
“All vaccination certificates are now valid for life, including older ones with an expiry date on them.
“You’ll be given a certificate when you’re vaccinated at a yellow fever vaccination centre.”
Despite speculation surrounding vaccination certificates, one nation has already unveiled plans to reopen its borders with no mention of required certification.
Mr Calder explained: ” There is some really interesting news just come out this morning from Seychelles.
“They are going to become the first country in the world to say: ‘Middle of March, most of our population will be vaccinated.
“‘You can come in, no evidence required other than a negative covid test before you travel.’
He described the announcement as “really encouraging” for the travel industry.
Currently, anyone hoping to visit the UK must carry evidence of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of travel.
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