Digital Vaccine Passports Coming To Massachusetts, Baker Says

MASSACHUSETTS — A digital vaccine passport isn't far off for the residents of Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker said in a Monday radio interview.

Baker said on GBH News' Boston Public Radio Massachusetts and more than a dozen other states have been working on a scannable QR code that would act as proof of someone's vaccination status. No start date for the program was given.

"It's a universal standard and we've been working with a bunch of other states, there's probably 15 or 20 of them, to try to create a single QR code that can be used for all sorts of things where people may choose to require a vaccine," Baker said.

He showed his QR code in studio.

"That’s my proof that I’ve been vaccinated," he said.

The Republican earlier in the year appeared hesitant to implement any sort of vaccine passport system, though he did note part of his reasoning was "having 50 states doing 50 different things on this could get pretty complicated."

From April: 5 Things To Know About Vaccine Passport Debate

Baker administration spokesperson Terry MacCormack clarified the state "has no plans for a statewide vaccine requirement," according to The Boston Herald.

"The Baker-Polito Administration has been exploring a voluntary vaccine credential system to help residents more easily access their vaccine records and has been in touch with other states to learn more about their similar efforts," MacCormack said in a statement.

It's not clear how the program would be used in Massachusetts, but Baker's office said the governor is opposed to requiring checking customers' vaccination status.

"Right now, MA residents can voluntarily obtain proof of their vaccination either in paper form, or electronic form from most but not all vaccine providers such as CVS or Walgreens. The Administration is developing a system for residents, if they choose to, to obtain their digital proof of vaccination if they are unable to obtain it through their vaccine provider," Sarah Finlaw said. "Currently, some businesses are choosing to screen customers for vaccination status. There is no Massachusetts requirement that these businesses do so. The Administration is working to make it easier for those residents who wish to download this proof of vaccination record if they want to."

Such systems have been leveraged in other states by venues, businesses, gyms and restaurants that require proof of vaccination. Other states, meanwhile, have outlawed the use of vaccine passports.

Many places in Massachusetts require patrons have vaccinations to enter.

An unscientific Massachusetts Patch poll in April showed about half of the 4,000 respondents opposed requiring any documentation proving one's vaccination status.

Baker's comments come as the state creeps back into a state of the pandemic not felt since before the vaccines were widely available. Cases are on the rise, and a new variant coupled with worries about waning vaccine efficacy is stirring up fears of another hard winter.

"This variant is a cause for concern, not panic," President Biden said Monday.

Baker said staying the course is the best plan for Massachusetts residents until more information about the omicron variant comes out.

"The best thing people can do to protect themselves from any variants is get vaccinated if you're not and get a booster if you're eligible," he said.

Materials from State House News Service were used in this report