We’ve seen quite a few updates about COVID-19, vaccines, and more lately — especially when it comes to the topic of vaccine passports.

Flying to Orlando

Recently, we’ve shared details about how vaccine passports may be required for travel and more this summer, and we’ve seen Florida’s governor comment on and issue an Executive Order regarding vaccine passports as they relate to the state. And now we’ve gotten an update from Dr. Anthony Fauci about vaccine passports and whether he thinks they’ll be required by the federal government.

Recently, Dr. Anthony Fauci sat down with the team at the POLITICO Dispatch podcast and spoke with them on a variety of issues related to the pandemic. Dr. Fauci is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to the President.

Dr. Fauci When He Appeared on Good Morning America ©Good Morning America

During the podcast, the interviewer asked whether vaccine passports will be necessary to safely get things closer to “normal” for things beyond just flights. Specifically, the interviewer mentioned whether vaccine passports may be required for things like concerts, schools, or going to the gym. The interviewer also asked whether Dr. Fauci thinks that the federal government should be playing an active role in coordinating something like that.

Disneyland Health and Safety Sign

In response, Dr. Fauci said, “I doubt that the federal government will be the main mover of a vaccine passport concept. They may be involved in making sure things are done fairly and equitably, but I doubt if the federal government is going to be the leading element of that.”

The interviewer then asked, if not the government, then whose responsibility will it be to do something like create vaccine passports. Dr. Fauci noted that he believes there will be individual entities that will do that.

Health and Safety Signs in Disney World

Dr. Fauci shared how there may be theaters, colleges, or other institutions that tell individuals they cannot get in unless they provide proof of vaccination. Dr. Fauci noted that he’s not saying whether these entities should or that they would do that, but he said you could foresee how an independent entity might require individuals to show proof of vaccination.

But, Dr. Fauci said, “it’s not going to be mandated from the federal government.”

Health and Safety Measures

At the moment, Florida’s Governor has issued an executive order regarding vaccine passports specifically noting that Florida government entities may not issue vaccine passports.

Florida Palm Trees

The executive order also specifies that businesses in Florida are prohibited from requiring customers to provide documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccination or post-transmission recovery.

Click here to read more about the executive order signed in Florida.

In terms of other vaccine and COVID-19 related news, recently, we’ve also seen an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding travel guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. In early March, we also shared a look at the CDC’s updated guidelines regarding fully vaccinated individuals and how they may safely gather with others.

We’ve also seen updates about both California and Florida expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility.

In the Plane

Recently, the CDC also shared details on the next phase of requirements for cruise lines.

We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more details on this situation and let you know what we find.

Click here to see more about how Disney World will be offering payment to Cast Members for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.