President Biden’s administration will not push a national coronavirus vaccine passport program, instead deferring to the private sector to come up with ways for the public to prove they have received their COVID-19 shots.
The Biden administration will not require a single vaccination credential from people hoping to return to work or travel, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday. The federal government also will not run or oversee a centralized, universal immunization database.
“A determination or development of vaccine passports, or whatever you want to call it, will be driven by the private sector,” Psaki told reporters. “Ours will more be focused on guidelines that can be used as a basis.”
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Psaki added that guidance aimed at increasing access is being drafted through an interagency process. But she couldn’t provide a timeline as to when more information would be announced.
The airline industry has been pushing for a federal vaccination credentialing system, similar to those being trialed in the United Kingdom and Europe, in an effort to streamline the process of proving a person has been inoculated. Advocates contend it could help the struggling industry as the country’s vaccination rate climbs, states roll back their restrictions, and the public seeks a return to normal life.
Polling suggests vaccination credentialing is popular among people who have gotten their jabs, though critics argue it poses logistical and equity concerns. Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week, for example, voiced his support for an immunization app for venues or private events “as long as it is your choice.”
The Biden administration’s decision to outsource vaccination credentialing marks a change in strategy from its overarching COVID-19 pandemic response. On other occasions, Biden himself has touted his federal government’s leadership, whereas former President Donald Trump preferred to delegate to state governors.
Psaki also confirmed during her briefing that Biden’s infrastructure package, set to be unveiled Wednesday, will include tax hikes and other revenue raisers to pay for it.
The White House has floated an infrastructure and jobs package with a combined price tag of up to $4 trillion. The former is expected to include clean energy investments, while the latter is anticipated to cover “care economy” programs, such as universal pre-kindergarten.
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Details regarding the jobs package will be released next month as part of a second, separate legislative campaign, Psaki said Monday.
