Vaccine passports for air travel? An expert supports the idea

Here’s what you need to remember: The former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security under the Obama administration and now a professor at Harvard, proposed that proof of vaccination be required to take a domestic flight in the United States.

Shortly after the coronavirus vaccines arrived, US institutions seemed to resist the idea of ​​requiring vaccination to enter certain places or do certain things. Some states and localities have moved ahead and banned vaccine passports, although there was little indication at the time that such requirements were even under consideration. I have been fully vaccinated since early February and have never been asked to show proof of vaccination anywhere.

In recent weeks, with great resistance to the vaccine and the spread of the Delta variant of the virus, many places are reconsidering this initial reluctance. New York City recently announced that proof of vaccination would be required for many indoor businesses, including gyms and restaurants, while other city governments have considered similar requirements.

Now there is an argument that vaccination should be required for another act: getting on a plane. Restrictions are already in place for international flights, but a new magazine suggests the same for domestic travel within the United States.

Write in the AtlanticJuliette Kayyem, former Assistant Secretary for Homeland Security under the Obama administration and now a professor at Harvard, proposed that proof of vaccination be required to take a domestic flight in the United States. It would also require a “no-fly” consideration for those who are not vaccinated.

“In flight, vaccinated people should no longer bear the burden of unvaccinated people. The White House rejected a national immunization mandate– a sweeping suggestion the Biden administration couldn’t easily adopt if it wanted to – but a no-fly list for unvaccinated adults is an obvious step the federal government should take, ”Kayyem writes. “This will help limit the risk of transmission in destinations where unvaccinated people travel – and, by setting standards that restrict certain privileges to those vaccinated, will also help increase stagnant vaccination rates that both hamper the economy. and the company to make a full recovery. ”

She goes on to say that stealing is not, in fact, a right.

“The federal government is the only body that can regulate the terms and conditions of aviation safety. And while air filtration systems and mask requirements make transmission of the coronavirus unlikely during a given passenger flight, those infected can spread it when they leave the airport and take off their clothes. mask, ”she wrote. “The purpose of foreign travel bans is to curb infections in the destination country; to protect itself, the United States still has many such restrictions in place. Beyond limiting the flow of the virus from hot spots to the rest of the country, allowing only those vaccinated on domestic flights will also change their mind. ”

Stephen Silver, Technology Writer for The National Interest, is a journalist, essayist, and film critic who also contributes to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly Voice, Philadelphia Weekly, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Living Life Fearless, Backstage magazine, Broad Street Revoir and splice today. Co-founder of the Philadelphia Film Critics Circle, Stephen lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @StephenSilver.

This article was first published last month and is republished due to reader’s interest.

Image: Reuters