The 90% Project is an NZ Herald initiative that aims to reach all New Zealanders to get the word out about vaccination so we can save lives and restore freedoms. Video / NZ Herald
OPINION
I don't think the Covid-19 vaccine will ever be legally required for everyone in New Zealand.
However, I do think the Government and businesses could gradually make it nearly impossible to do anything without one.
The deadline for port workers to adhere to vaccine mandates had barely passed whenon Monday, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced Cabinet's decision on mandatory vaccinations for workers in the education and healthcare sectors.
The week before, the idea of a vaccine passport was brought up.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said vaccine certificates would be mandatory for high-risk settings including large gatherings, events and festivals, but could also be needed to go to hospitality venues like bars and restaurants.
As vaccination becomes necessary for more and more workers and situations, we need to know what this looks like.
What we know so far is the passport is likely to be a digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate containing a QR code.
But, just like the Covid-19 tracer app, that cannot be the only option. Not everyone has a smartphone or carries one at all times, there are dead batteries to consider or forgotten phones. I'm sure the Government has considered this and has other options in the works, but we need to know as soon as possible in order to prepare.
In Victoria, residents will soon need vaccination proof for dining out and going to hairdressers. Proof will be in the form of an app or printed evidence of vaccination history.
If New Zealand used the same approach, there could be problems with this that need ironing out.
For example, when masks were made mandatory for accessing services it was possible to get exemptions, and some anti-maskers reportedly abused exemption accreditation and forged them.
We reported people rightfully exempt from wearing masks being turned away.
There may be a risk people unwilling to be vaccinated could forge hard-copy vaccination proof too.
Some businesses spoken to are concerned about how passports could be enforced.
Overall, news of mandated vaccinations for healthcare workers and educators and of vaccine passports for some activities has been welcomed.
