Immunity passports ‘likely to be possible’: UK government science advisers

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A science panel briefing the UK government said Chinese coronavirus immunity passports could be issued to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus.

While Cabinet Minister Michael Gove said earlier this month that there were no plans to introduce immunity passports, a recently published article revealed that government scientists said such “Certification of immunity” was “probably possible”.

The report, entitled SARS-CoV-2 immunity and the concept of an immunity certificate, was produced by the Advisory Group on New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats (NERVTAG) and presented to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on November 19.

Made public on the government website on Friday, the report says that due to the improbability of catching the coronavirus a second time, people could be given “Covid-19 immunity certification” which would grant them greater degree of freedom than the others. from the country.

The report states: “As SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate, we approach a time when a significant number of people who were infected in the first waves of the pandemic may benefit from an ‘immunity’ that protects them. at a later exhibition.

“Furthermore, the results of clinical trials of new vaccines… suggest that a high degree of immunity against Covid-19 disease can be achieved, at least in the short term.

“This new context prompts us to re-examine the concept that those who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection or who have received an effective vaccine could, for a period of time, be exempt from non-interventional interventions. current pharmaceuticals. [eg, lockdown, social distancing] designed to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. “

The report concludes: “Some form of certification of Covid-19 immunity is likely possible, but additional data and considerations are needed before a recommendation can be made.”

There are growing fears in the UK that even if the government does not make immunity passports mandatory by law, public places and businesses may deny service to those who have not been vaccinated or recovered from the virus.

Newly installed vaccine minister Nadim Zahawi said on Monday that he believed companies would require the certificate, saying: “I think you will probably find that many service providers will want to engage in this area as they do. ‘did with [Test and Trace] app. “

Cabinet Minister Michael Gove, however, denied that this was the case, saying on Tuesday he did not believe that pubs, sporting events or other venues would require proof of immunity.

“I’m definitely not planning to introduce vaccine passports and I don’t know anyone else in government (who is),” Gove said.

The idea of ​​immunity passports was first floated in April when Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the government was considering implementation, even citing the idea of ​​”bracelets” at the time. of immunity ”.

Wales became the first UK country to confirm the government will issue immunity passports to those who are vaccinated on Wednesday.

Announcing the measures, Welsh Minister of Health Vaughan Gething said: ‘Those who receive a COVID-19 vaccination will receive an NHS Wales vaccination card the size of a credit card which will bear the name of the vaccine , date of vaccination and batch number of each dose administered. handwritten on it.

In November, it was claimed that the UK government was developing so-called ‘freedom passes’ for activities of daily living, such as traveling without a mask and seeing family members. The passes would be given to those who tested negative for the virus twice in a week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has also reportedly been working on ‘vaccine stamps’ for UK passports to supposedly facilitate international travel.

Follow Kurt Zindulka on Twitter here: @KurtZindulka



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