EU to Introduce Vaccine Passport Starting June

US Also Plans to Introduce

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The European Union (EU) will introduce vaccine passports starting June 15. A vaccine passport is a system where governments mutually certify documents issued to individuals who have completed COVID-19 vaccination, allowing only them to travel and engage in other activities. The United States, hoping to return to normal life this summer, is also developing a vaccine passport.

Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Market, announced the specific schedule for the EU's vaccine passport implementation on the 28th (local time) during an interview with RTL Radio. Commissioner Breton said, "The vaccine passport is planned to be implemented in June," adding, "Travel across Europe will resume."

The vaccine passport introduced by the EU will be a digital or paper health certificate downloadable from the health ministries of the 27 member countries, containing information such as the type of vaccine administered and whether antibodies have been formed. It can be used when boarding airplanes or entering public places such as crowded facilities.

However, issuance will not be mandatory. Even those who have completed vaccination can substitute the vaccine passport with a negative COVID-19 test certificate instead of being issued a vaccine passport.

Commissioner Breton emphasized, "We are investing in developing technology to quickly receive COVID-19 test results," adding, "The EU's goal is to find the ability to live together without risk."

The Washington Post reported on the same day, citing five anonymous sources, that the U.S. government is also developing a vaccine passport in collaboration with companies. The project, led by the Department of Health, reportedly includes Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 coordinator.

The U.S. vaccine passport is expected to be issued in the form of a scannable code such as a QR code through a smartphone application. For those without smartphones, a paper version that can be printed and used is also being considered. The issuance is expected to be free of charge.

The Washington Post stated, "The Joe Biden administration has confirmed at least 17 vaccine passport initiatives this month," adding, "These include the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative and a plan developed by IT company IBM, which is being piloted in New York State."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.