TY - JOUR T1 - A pragmatic approach to COVID-19 vaccine passport JF - BMJ Global Health JO - BMJ Global Health DO - 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006956 VL - 6 IS - 10 SP - e006956 AU - Ahmed Sharif AU - Roslin Botlero AU - Nazmul Hoque AU - Sheikh M Alif AU - Md Nazmul Karim AU - Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam Y1 - 2021/10/01 UR - http://gh.bmj.com/content/6/10/e006956.abstract N2 - Summary boxCOVID-19 outbreaks and the repeated lockdowns to control its spread have significantly impacted people’s social life, physical and mental health, and the global economy.With the advent of safe and effective vaccines, a vaccine passport or certificate might be a potential tool to protect public health and returning life to as normal as possible.A graduated introduction of vaccine passport before full-scale use appears as a pragmatic approach using the latest evidence and safeguarding ethical concerns.The rights and privileges attached to a vaccine passport may motivate many individuals hesitant to get vaccinated and thus contribute to achieving herd immunity.While COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs are gaining momentum globally, the issue of vaccine passports is generating debate among policy-makers and public health specialists. As lockdown measures to contain the spread of the virus has been crippling the economy, curtailing civil liberty and confining people to their homes, governments worldwide have been exploring the potential of vaccine passport to allow more freedom of domestic movements aiming at eventually allowing international travel.1 However, this move has attracted concerns due to several challenges and perceived ethical issues.2 3 Despite these, many governments are exploring strategies to find a balance between protecting public health and returning life to near normal.A vaccine passport and other public health measures have been considered a tool for achieving the balance to minimise the impacts of repeated lockdowns and strict travel restrictions. The USA and the UK have been debating on the introduction of vaccine passports for domestic use. The European Union (EU) has already introduced one for international travel, while Australia is considering implementation strategies. Israel became the first country to introduce a ‘green pass’ allowing vaccinated people to access community activities, large gatherings and eating out in restaurants.4–7 However, whether other countries will adopt … ER -