Chicago Considers “Vax Pass” For Summer Events

A "Vax pass," also referred to as a "vaccine passport," or "vaccine creds," is showing itself to be a polarizing issue across the United States. Many are in favor, many are opposed, and no one seems to know exactly how the issue will be resolved.

Those who are opposed to the idea of having to produce proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order to "get back to normal" say that vax passes are an infringement on individual freedoms and privacy. The camp that's very much in favor of them says that the passports are a way to confidently return to activities and ensure safety at workplaces, outdoor events, concerts, etc.

Opposition to vax passes has prompted the governors of Florida and Texas to ban state-funded organizations and state agencies from requiring someone to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccine in order to receive services. Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, took it one more step and said no business can require their customers to produce or display any proof of vaccination to receive service.

New York State already has their vaccination passport, called the Excelsior Pass, in full swing amongst their population, saying it's a quick and easy way to check for vaccination status, or even a positive or negative COVID-19 test. Israel has a vaccination passport already in use, and the European Union is working on and testing a variety of different vaccination passports, although the debates are getting pretty hot over the topic.

Which brings us to Chicago.

ABC-7 Chicago reports that Chicago city officials are putting the finishing touches on Chicago's reopening plans, and that a Vax Pass needs to be part of the equation. They're pitching it to Chicagoans as the best way for you to make it possible for yourself to enjoy summer fun in the city:

Similar to what New York State already has, the "Vax Pass" is an easy, secure way to show proof of vaccination for entry to festivals, concerts and other events.

"My goal at this point is to say, 'You want to be part of the fun? Get vaccinated,'" said Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago Dept. of Public Health.

As I mentioned before, not everyone is enamored with the idea of having to share their health information in order to eat in restaurants, go to the movies, catch a ballgame, go to a concert, and more. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see threats of lawsuits start to make the news cycle in the very near future.