On Monday, January 11, a public health official said that a ‘vaccination certificate’ with a QR code, which acts as a digital pass or a ‘facilitating tool’, can work not just within the country, but abroad too.
He also stated that the QR code declaring vaccination can be shown to authorities without revealing more sensitive health information. Therefore, every vaccinated individual should preserve this QR code as it declares the person has completed vaccination in India.
Since a QR code, which would be linked to the person’s mobile number and identity proof, will be offered by the Union government through the Co-WIN system, it will have a wide range of applications. It is a well-authenticated proof of inoculation against COVID-19.
Many countries, especially the ones that have started mass inoculation drives, are mulling ‘vaccine passports’ that will allow their citizens to travel abroad amid pandemic restrictions.
The recipient only needs to click on the QR code to show the certificate each time authorities, anywhere, ask. It’s a sort of digital pass, said the senior official.
Many technology firms worldwide are also developing applications that will allow companies and event organizers to customize requirements for entry or access — including COVID-19 tests, temperature checks, and vaccination records.