COVID-19 and the worldwide aftershock it brings worldwide are urging tech and healthcare industries to develop digital vaccination records. Numerals big-name companies have assembled into the “Vaccination Credential Initiative” for the project. Though, the new breakthrough will most likely initiate debate mainly due to privacy-related matters.
Vaccination Credential Initiative and the digital vaccination records: the urgency
Tech and healthcare giants will be working together on the digital vaccination records project. Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce and Epic will be representing the technology industry. From the healthcare industry, there will be Mayo Clinic, Safe Health, Change Healthcare, the CARIN Alliance and some other firms joining in.
The digital vaccination records will adapt the existing and authorized standards in digital healthcare programs. SMART Health Cards specification is one of the mock-up for the project. Its HL7 FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) allows providers to interoperable digital health records. However, the initiative group aims to produce an “encrypted digital copy of their immunization credentials to store in a digital wallet of their choice”, as quoted from Tech Crunch.
Pros and cons circulating the project
Previously, LAC County has partnered up with Healthvana, facilitated by Apple‘s Wallet technology to provide similar digital immunization records to individuals. However, the stored data is not used to prove someone’s immunity to certain illness in order to grant them social or geographic access. The data usage leans more on informing and supporting patients for optimal care outcomes.
The digital vaccination records initiated by the Vaccination Credential Initiative is a little bit different. The digital record is treated as more of a “passport”. It is more of a legitimate proof that someone has already received the vaccine. Thus, they may have a bigger opportunity to resume social and economic activity.
Oracle and Salesforce’s statement seems to further support the idea. Quoted from Tech Crunch, Oracle and Salesforce said they will focus on preparing a reopening of social and economic activity including “resuming travel,” get[ting] back to public life,” and “get[ting] concerts and sporting events going again.”
The digital vaccination records could be a big help to lead a safe reopening with the soon commenced global vaccination program. Though, the project may face the same old issue: privacy. Convenient and easier data storage and access by smartphones and internets also open up new potential risks. This will be an even bigger issue for the public who demand privacy and equitable treatment.
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