Could COVID-19 Vaccination Passports be Required?

Across the New Jersey as of early March 2021, more than 2.6 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been given and more than 900,000 people have now either had their second shot or received the one-and-done vaccine from Johnson & Johnson. The recent announcement of a further loosening in restrictions for businesses feels like we’re getting closer to whatever the new normal will be. But a number of advocates are pushing for a more accurate, yet controversial way to ensure our safety as it does — vaccine passports, a set of COVID-19 health credentials that would allow travelers to show test results and vaccination status. There are growing worries, however, that it also would create two classes of citizens.

Dr. Stephanie Silvera, Professor in the Public Health Department, recently commented on the issue for NJ Spotlight News.

Dr. Silvera stated, “We know that there are really significant inequities that have been happening, and now we’re having people travel when the people who are working in the airports themselves may not have the opportunity to be vaccinated.”

• Watch the full interview