Covid vaccine: Will we need certificates to prove we've been innoculated? – Helen Martin

It’s not clear yet when everyone will have had their Covid-19 vaccination whether it’s one dose or two.

A healthcare worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine (Picture: Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)

What seems clear is that it will become an annual process, just like a flu vaccine. Perhaps both will be delivered in the same injection.

Another problem is how, if at all, those who refuse the “jab” can be persuaded, or if it’s simply their right to say “no”.

The sooner the general public of all ages are covered, the better. At some point, we all hope shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and everything else resumes.

And yes, Edinburgh’s tourist industry will be desperate for the “green flag” but isn’t it likely new processes will be needed?

When and how can we return to vast summer festival periods? Will tourists from anywhere in the world, hospitality staff, locals and everyone have certificates, even annual certificates, for vaccination? Will that happen at airports, hotels, restaurants, theatres and everywhere else? Will a certificate be necessary for employment?

Vaccination around the globe will take some time. And will we eventually be assured that each vaccine blocks Covid-19 and certainly doesn’t bring side effects?

There has been some re-planning about the way large tourist season events and markets are run, and even those of us opposed to “over-tourism” accept it’s an important industry for our Capital.

Locals can support the hospitality sector at first, and maybe just as no flu vaccine certificates are needed, none will be required for Covid-19. But the tourism industry needs clarity, especially if the Festival is to re-start this summer.

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