Vaccine passports don’t have to work to be effective

While the US is still debating about the possibilities of a vaccine passport, some countries have already implemented their certification system as proof of inoculation against Covid-19, like Israel with its 'green passport'. — AP

AS more Americans get vaccinated, there is increasing talk of “vaccine passports.” There are strong emotional reactions to this idea, positive and negative, but my attempt at a more analytical view leads me to a conclusion that is not entirely satisfying (even to me): America should work to develop vaccine passports but never actually require them.

First, I am not impressed by the criticisms that vaccine passports will create an unfair two-tier society. Covid-19 already has done that. Not only are the over 540,000 dead already in a highly disadvantageous “tier, ” but the US has been divided between those who can work at home – often higher earners – and those who cannot. If a vaccine passport system can help clean up this mess and accelerate recovery, it is likely to increase fairness on average.