A scoping review of global vaccine certificate solutions for COVID-19.

Globally, measures, such as lockdown, quarantining, and physical distancing, have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the vaccines are now available and reintegration into society is beginning, measures such as vaccine certificates are being implemented around the world. We conducted a scoping review to identify the initial digital solutions for COVID-19 vaccine certificates and evaluate them on the basis of purpose and use case, technological architecture, and ethical and legal implications. Articles identified from a Google search and a search of MEDLINE, Ovid and preprint servers were reviewed in duplicate, and data were extracted using a data extraction form. Data were extracted for date, location, type of article, source, companies identified for creating vaccine certificates, technology used, type of evidence provided (article quoting research study or an expert opinion), digital architecture, security and privacy measures, and use cases. Technology emerged as the most dominant theme followed by ethics, travel, legal concerns, public policy, and scientific concerns. Our review identified eight solutions that are working toward COVID-19 vaccine certificates world-wide, all optimizing blockchain technology. COVID-19 vaccine certificates are being considered in 11 countries and are in place in 5 others. Many issues concerning the themes we identified remain to be addressed to facilitate successful implementation.

COVID-19 vaccination passport: prospects, scientific feasibility, and ethical concerns.

A vaccination passport (also known as "vaccination certificate," "immunization passport," or "digital health pass") is a document that provides proof of vaccination and certifies that the holder is protected from illness. It is a more reliable and practical substitute for immunity passports since COVID-19 vaccination is considered a better correlate of protection. Vaccination passport can be considered as a tool offering the holder the privilege of traveling freely within countries without any restrictions. The majority of the countries that are dependent on travel and tourism have exhibited a positive inclination toward implementing COVID-19 vaccination passports, while others have a mixed opinion. The successful implementation of vaccination passports will be a complex task for the policymakers as it requires addressing several ethical, legal, and data security concerns outlined in this article. However, vaccination passports can offer economic and health benefits that will allow the gradual recovery of the economy.