Vaccine Passport: The new decade of 2021-2030 is upon us amid this pandemic, and with the nations proceeding with coronavirus vaccines, there are expectations that the world can return to normalcy next year. Covid-19 has already infected more than 80 million people worldwide and killed 1.76 million. It has changed the way we live, work and travel. Also Read: India Corona Mutation Cases: Mutant Coronavirus Cases In India Rise To 25; List Of States Where The New Corona Strain Has Been Detected

From donning masks to social distancing, a lot of things became new normal for us. And now the concept of vaccine passport application has come to the fore, and may become a reality soon. As the name suggests, the mobile app, with proof that the user has been tested negative for coronavirus, will be become the passport to concert venues, stadiums, movie theaters, offices, or even countries, as per the CNN report.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO), has said that these passports may not be helpful in reducing transmission as there was always a possibility of second infection.

What is vaccine passport?

- Companies and technology groups worldwide have started developing smartphone apps or systems for individuals to upload details of their Covid-19 tests and vaccinations, creating digital credentials.

- One of such examples is the CommonPass app, created by the Common Trust Network, which allows users to upload medical data such as a Covid-19 test result or proof of vaccination. A pass is generated in the form of a QR code which can be presented to authorities. Common Trust Network is an initiative by The Commons Project and the World Economic Forum. These organisations have partnered with airlines such as Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic for the same.

- IBM has also developed an app called Digital Health Pass. This app allows companies to scan for their requirements of entry, such as coronavirus tests and temperature checks.

-However, developers may now have to confront other challenges, ranging from privacy issues to representing the varied effectiveness of different vaccines.

What’s opinion of WHO?

The WHO reacted to some countries’ suggestion that vaccine passports be used to allow individuals entry to their workplaces or other countries and said that there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from Covid-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection.

“At this point in the pandemic, there is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate,” the WHO said, adding that the use of such certificates may therefore increase the risks of continued transmission.