The Ontario government caused controversy when they announced a vaccine passport program would be coming to the province.
This means Ontarians will have to have proof of vaccination if they wish to go to bars, restaurants, theatres, concerts, and sporting events.
It is unsure exactly what COVID-19 numbers will look like with a vaccine passport, though many experts are calling this the right decision.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch is an Infectious Diseases Specialist with Toronto General Hospital and says while this will help, passports alone will not end this pandemic.
“We need to have an honest communication about this, it is not going to prevent or end a fourth wave, this just helps create a safer indoor space,” explains Bogosh. “We know that the vaccines are extremely effective, they reduce your risk of getting COVID, but they don’t eliminate your risk of getting COVID. If someone’s infected, it also reduces your risk of transmitting it to others, it doesn’t eliminate that. You can see this vaccine certificate system as an added layer of protection to create a safer indoor space.”
LISTEN: FULL INTERVIEW WITH DR. ISAAC BOGOCH:
Many believe the passport will also incentivize the unvaccinated to get their doses.
Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janet DeMille agrees and says this will be a way to help us out of this pandemic.
“I think having that standardized process for all these settings, to be able to check somebody’s vaccination status would be important, and I think that is much easier done at a provincial level,” says DeMille. “I think this could also motivate people to get immunized, including their second dose if they have just had their first. It’s not uncommon to see an increase and uptake of immunization after these are introduced.”
The passport will not be required for anyone under the age of 12, or individuals with medical exemptions.
The vaccine passport program will begin in Ontario on Sept. 22.
