Vaccine Passports For International Travel Are A Bad Idea Says One WHO Expert

Canada has been "working on the idea."👇✈️
Managing Editor, Canada

Although vaccine passports for international travel might sound like a good idea, one World Health Organization (WHO) official says there’s much more to consider.

Vaccine passports, a concept being considered by Canada and other G7 countries, would effectively allow those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel to participating countries internationally.

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However, WHO Emergencies Chief Dr. Michael Ryan said that there are ethical concerns to consider, noting that “being vaccinated [...] is not something everyone has equal access to.”

Speaking during a COVID-19 press conference on Monday, Ryan discussed the “real practical and ethical considerations” for countries considering using a vaccine passport program, saying it could enable “inequity and unfairness [to] be further branded into the system.”

“Quite simply, vaccination is just not available enough around the world and is not available certainly on an equitable basis,” he said.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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