Vaccine passports are the quickest way to lift lagging Covid vaccination rates

Bleeding hearts are no doubt going to arc up, but this is the quickest way we’re going to lift lagging Covid vaccination rates, writes Kylie Lang. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Bleeding hearts will arc up at the idea of vaccination passports, but such a mandate is the quickest way to lift lagging immunisation rates.

Governments can’t legally force people to get the jabs, but they can incentivise, and creating a divide between who can enjoy certain freedoms and activities and who can’t is one hell of a motivator.

If people are required to show proof of Covid vaccination before they can go to restaurants, the movies, the footy, board planes and so on, those who are holding out will acutely realise what they’re missing out on.

People may not be able to fly without a Covid-19 vaccine passport.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been noncommittal about the passports, saying they’re a federal responsibility, but with the Queensland Government requiring all essential workers crossing the border from NSW to show proof of having at least one dose of either vaccine from Friday, a precedent has been set.

Now broaden it so we can get on with our lives faster.

Vaccine passports, or Pass Sanitaire (health pass), are working in France.

Despite predictable protests by civil libertarians who believe their individual rights trump the wellbeing of the majority, the passports have delivered a surge in vaccination bookings.

The day after President Emmanuel Macron announced people would need to show proof of vaccination to visit restaurants, shopping malls and museums, more than 1 million people signed up for the jab.

By the end of August, more than 50 million people over the age of 12 will have had at least one jab.

An example of what a vaccine passport could look like. Picture: Istock

From September, the Pass Sanitaire will be legally required by employers to ensure all contracted workers also have one.

Similar passes to dine in restaurants are also required in Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

In response to those opposing the move, Mr Macron has urged people to consider the “fraternité” part of the French motto.

“It’s about citizenship. Freedom only exists if the freedom of everyone is protected,” Mr Macron said.

“It’s worth nothing if by exercising our freedom we contaminate our brother, neighbour, friend, parents, or someone we have come across at an event, then freedom becomes irresponsibility.”

He is absolutely right.

Bring in vaccine passports here and let’s get on with the business of living.