The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend that countries issue vaccine passports for international travel, saying there is still not enough proof that inoculated persons would no longer carry or spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
Having such passports could also lead to 鈥渋nequity and unfairness鈥� with regard to access to vaccines, considering the current limit on the global supply, according to a WHO official.
鈥淲e understand that travel restriction has significant economic impact on every country. [But] at the present time, WHO鈥檚 position [is] that national authorities and travel authorities should not introduce requirements of proof of COVID-19 vaccination for international travel, as a condition for departure or entry,鈥� said Dr. Babatunde Olowokure, the WHO emergency director for Western Pacific region, which includes the Philippines.
House bill filed
The Department of Health earlier said it was considering the issuance of vaccine passports. A House member, Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong, has filed a bill setting up such an identification system for vaccinated travelers.
At a press briefing held in observance of World Health Day on Wednesday, Olowokure said there were two main reasons the WHO was not recommending this type of travel requirement, which several other countries believe could help revive international tourism and aviation.
鈥淥ne being the efficacy of vaccines in preventing transmissions is not yet clear,鈥� he said. 鈥�(W)hile many vaccines have shown to protect against diseases, studies are ongoing to determine if they stop the transmission of the virus. That is, a person who is vaccinated cannot carry the virus and therefore give it to others.鈥�
Inequality in system
Olowokure said the limited vaccine supply could also lead to 鈥減referential vaccination of travelers.鈥�
This could result in fewer vaccines becoming available for those who actually needed them, as they were considered at risk of infection.
鈥淚f access to the vaccines is unequal, then we introduce inequity into the system and, therefore, this can also lead to unfairness,鈥� the WHO official added.
Instead, Olowokure said, the WHO maintains that vaccinated individuals should keep practicing risk-reduction measures, like wearing masks, frequent handwashing and safe distancing, even when they are traveling.