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Customers who have rejected a Covid-19 vaccine could be turned away by hospitality and sports venues, the government’s vaccine minister suggested, as he discussed the idea of using the technology to reopen the economy.
Nadhim Zahawi, who was appointed on Saturday as responsible for overseeing the launch of the jab, said that while the vaccine would not be mandatory, businesses such as pubs and restaurants could require proof that people have been vaccinated before allowing them to enter.
It raises questions about whether the government could use immunity passports as a way to get people to return to stores and places of hospitality after a vaccine is authorized. Some countries already use them to see if people have protection against yellow fever or polio.
When asked by the BBC if those who had been vaccinated would get an immunity passport, Zahawi said: “We are looking at the technology. And, of course, a way for people to inform their GP that they have been vaccinated. But, also, I think you will probably find that restaurants and bars and cinemas and other places, sports facilities, will probably also use that system, as they have done with the [test and trace] application.
“I think in many ways the pressure will come from both sides. From service providers who will say, ‘Look, show us you’ve been vaccinated.’ But we will also make technology as easy and accessible as possible. “
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The Stratford-upon-Avon MP and Minister for Trade and Industry said people would have to “make a decision” on whether to get vaccinated, and said that if they chose not to, they could face severe restrictions.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said at a Downing Street news conference: “For a long time we have been looking at the questions Minister Zahawi was talking about and the question of what is the impact on the individual in terms of what they can do.
“First of all, we do not plan to require the vaccine. We believe that by promoting the adoption of the vaccine, we will get a very high proportion of people in this country to get vaccinated, because of course it protects you but it also helps protect your loved ones and your community. “
Ilan Kelman, professor of disasters and health at University College London, said care must be taken with those who cannot receive a vaccine for medical reasons.
