As more and more people are vaccinated, the pressure is mounting to introduce a vaccination passport. These can be QR codes on a card or in an app, but special Covid-19 bracelets are now also available in the US.
Corona pass in EU
The world has been in an iron grip for more than a year by the coronavirus. More and more people are getting a shot and logically expect more freedom of movement sooner or later. The expectation is that millions of people will soon be able to resume normal life, once herd immunity has been achieved. Who knows, this summer people might be able to go on holiday to the Spanish coasts and French campsites again. Something that is more than welcome now that everyone is still suffering from the many restrictions.
In recent weeks, the European Parliament has debated these vaccination certificates. It is expected that an official European Covid-19 certificate will be approved at the end of May and will be operational at the end of June. Just before the summer holidays. This corona pass can be used by Europeans who meet at least one of the following criteria, namely proof of vaccination, a recently performed PCR test or a declaration of sufficient antibodies in the body. The pass contains a digital or paper QR code that can be scanned. It is not yet known where and when this can be applied for in the Netherlands.
However, several countries already have certificates and vaccination passports to try to give more freedom back to their inhabitants. In the Netherlands, there is no official vaccination certificate yet, but they are currently working hard on a CoronaCheck app. It will be launched in early June. Users of the app can show their vaccination status when they visit an event or travel abroad. A paper certificate will also be available. It is not clear whether the app will be part of the European corona passport.
Vaccination bracelet
But in addition to all the apps, cards and paper certificates, bracelets will also be used as proof of vaccination. Bracelets are already being used to to detect corona , but the American startup ImmunaBand now also offers blue silicone bracelets that can function as a vaccination passport. The bracelet costs 20 dollars and is worn like a wristband at a festival that gives access everywhere. The text 'COVID Vaccinated' is printed on the bracelet. In addition, the bracelet contains a stainless steel plate with an engraved QR code.
After ordering the bracelet, the user must send proof of vaccination digitally to ImmunaBand. This includes a photo of the user's American vaccination card. This creates a (secure) digital copy of the vaccination certificate. The QR code can then be scanned with any smartphone. For example, when visiting a museum. The bracelet holder must enter a PIN code for identification purposes, so that the official vaccination card is actually shown on the smartphone.
There is a choice between an anonymous bracelet and a personalized bracelet with an engraved name and the type of vaccine that was used. For example, Moderna, Pfizer, Janssen or AstraZeneca. According to ImmunaBand, the use of these vaccination bracelets not only provides more freedom for users. For example, it offers a safe workplace for companies and may serve as an incentive for others to also be vaccinated when possible. The company promotes the American vaccination program, but they state that too many false vaccination papers come into circulation when they are issued in paper version. A bracelet with QR code therefore offers a solution. A blue bracelet is also a popular fashion accessory and it is therefore not strange for an American to walk around with one.
US Vaccine Passport
The United States has not yet introduced an official vaccination passport. Americans do receive a standard paper card that states which vaccines have been administered and at what time. Incidentally, this passport is a means of travel to Europe. The EU has indicated that the paper card is a means of entry for Americans who have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved in the EU. It is not clear whether the bracelet can also be used when traveling to an EU country.