Vaccine passports are a new reality in the modern COVID era. More countries are introducing regulations prohibiting entry into specific facilities to persons without proof that they have been vaccinated or tested negative for the coronavirus. This information is stored in vaccine passports scannable by barcode scanning devices or software.
In this article, we’ll explain everything there is to know about scanning vaccine passports for business owners and those interested in the topic.
- How do Electric Vaccine Passports Work?
- Barcodes for Vaccine Passports
- Top Apps for Storing Your Vaccine Passport
- Businesses That Need to Scan Vaccine Passports
- Top Scanners for Electric Vaccine Passports
- Talk to a Technology Expert
How do Electric Vaccine Passports Work?
Vaccine passports serve as proof that a person has tested negative or is protected from certain infections. These passports exist in the form of a digital app or a physical card or document. People will carry them at all times and show them when required, for example, when entering an office, boarding a plane, or visiting the gym or restaurant.
These documents have been issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19, although their existence isn’t new. Many years ago, people traveled to certain destinations with medical passports called “yellow cards,” showing they’d be vaccinated against cholera, yellow fever, rubella, etc.
Today, companies have introduced vaccine passports so they can open up for business fully. It is also hoped that vaccine passports will lead to a resumption of international travel without quarantine. Ideally, vaccine passports would boost the economy and limit the spread of COVID-19 at the same time.
The widespread use of smartphones and similar devices facilitates fully digital Covid passports– in the form of an app or digital document. These digital passports are easily available to travelers, workers, or anyone who wants to enter a site requiring proof of vaccination. Users can see their test results and vaccination certificates in one electronic document. On the other hand, governments can quickly verify those records and match them to vaccine administrators and testing providers.
Vaccine passports in their digital form contain a barcode or QR code that the person responsible for verification scans for easy access to information. In contrast, paper cards don’t include a unique number or barcode, as they’re far more susceptible to forgery.
Ultimately, vaccination passports serve as an additional layer to the plethora of existing COVID prevention and tracking systems that many countries, including the US, have rolled out.
Officially, the US government hasn’t fully regulated the use of vaccine passports across the country. There have been rising concerns about how the government would take a role in the process. However, some companies try to fill the void and can decide on their own whether to insist on vaccine passports or not.
For those who decided to adopt vaccine passport scanning, new concerns have arisen – how to set up a system for scanning such documents.
Barcodes for Vaccine Passports
The method used to verify vaccine passports varies across countries. Some have developed apps that store a person’s name, date of birth, zip code, and recent test results or vaccination date. As mentioned, this information is stored on a barcode or a QR code that is scanned and validated.
Some European Union countries have come up with a system to scan a person’s Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to look up the necessary information.
Regardless of the method, the technology is always the same. It involves scanning a code with a scanning device for easy information access.
Top Apps for Storing Your Vaccine Passport
The US doesn’t have a national database of immunization records that could serve as a source for vaccination data used in digital vaccine passports. All efforts to do so were banned in 1998, when Ron Paul, a former US Representative for Texas, said that a system like that was an intrusion on privacy. Consequently, US citizens most likely won’t get a universal digital vaccination pass, meaning they have to download multiple apps to deal with the process.
Here are the top six apps users can download to store their vaccine passports.
Excelsior Pass
Excelsior Pass is a great app to download for New York state residents. It’s the sole government-issued digital proof of coronavirus vaccination that stores information about the latest COVID tests. The app was created by IBM, and the data was provided by the New York state’s vaccine databases. This app is accepted by Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and many other sites. The software is available for Android and iOS devices.
Businesses accepting this app have to download an app called Excelsior Pass Scanner (Android and iOS) that lets them scan QR codes from the pass.
AOKPass
AOKPass provides secure and portable copies of the user’s medical records. After receiving the results from your healthcare provider, users are able to enter them manually into the app. The AOKpass will secure the info that can be used for traveling and other purposes. The software is available for download on Android and iOS devices.
CommonPass
CommonPass is globally interoperable software that lets users document their coronavirus status. It supports health declarations, PCR tests, and vaccine results. The app is available for Android and iOS and is currently developing its network of local and national registries and other data systems. They currently operate with a limited number of sources, so it’s best to check whether they work with your specific register.
The app verifies whether the lab results or the vaccination record come from a trusted source and whether it satisfies the requirements of the state or country a person plans on entering. If everything’s in order, it will generate a “yes” or “no” certificate available for sharing.
Docket Immunization Records
Docket is a company that works together with the federal government to help Americans be in control of their health data. The mobile app, available for Android and iOS, allows users to upload their coronavirus vaccination records and display them as a QR code. Any facility can easily scan the code for fast information checkups.
Health Pass
Health Pass by Clear is software that integrates lab results, vaccine records, and health survey data to offer solutions for travel and venue access. Wherever you’re, you can share your health data concerning COVID-19 in the form of a QR code. Whether you’re a business owner or a vaccine passport holder, this app lets you scan or upload your COVID documents quickly and effectively. The app uses biometrics such as the eyes, face, and fingerprints to identify the users, transforms the info into an encrypted code, and recognizes it each time you log in.
As a user, you can enjoy a faster, safer passage through airports, venues, and other sites needing your personal COVID registry. They have a nationwide network of over 50 airports, stadiums, and other locations.
The app is available for iOS and Android.
COVID Credentials Initiative (CCI)
CCI is an open global community that collaborates to stop the spread of the coronavirus help build up communities and strengthen the economy. The initiative has been part of Linux Foundation Public Health since December 2020, and they work together on developing specifications, organizing activities, and creating projects for LFPH and other communities.
You can find out more information about the initiative by clicking here, and start your COVID credentials initiative by filling out this online form.
ImmunaBand
ImmunaBand enables users to share their COVID-related registry by wearing a band around their wrist. The main idea is to create a visible outward symbol of the immunity provided by vaccines. The sleek bracelets are the latest innovation in the battle against coronavirus. Whether you’re visiting restaurants, airports, or schools, you can have your bracelet scanned at the entry point for fast and secure information access.
Businesses That Need to Scan Vaccine Passports
The more optimistic entrepreneurs hope that the COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted soon and don’t think it’s worth investing in additional vaccine passport equipment. The realists, however, understand that coronavirus passports can encourage customers to return to their venues. And it seems like the latter group has a better chance of keeping their businesses operating. That’s why it’s advisable to equip your facility and train the staff to perform vaccine passport checks.
Most businesses in the tourism and food service industries have already started investing in scanning devices for vaccine passports. Plus, many theaters, schools, cinemas, and other venues with high crowd frequency have decided to go through with the idea of scanning vaccine passports at the point of entry to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Finally, just about any business concerned about their worker’s safety that believes vaccine passports are the way to go can benefit from scanning devices. Be it in the manufacturing, warehouse, or any other industry, a worker’s health, and safety should always come first.
The good thing about implementing scanning devices is that most users are already used to QR codes. A recent study showed that 72% of respondents used QR codes earlier that month and 67% think these barcodes make life in a contactless world much more straightforward.
The central part of adapting barcode scanners to your business is training your staff. Luckily, the process is not hard at all. The hardware for scanning is similar to the ordinary phone or tablet workers are already used to. And if you’re interested in a multi-functional scanning device, there are plenty of those on the market.
Plus, super functional management software such as Ndevor lets you manage the whole system from a single location.
If you’re a business owner looking to purchase scanning devices for your business, here is a list of the Top 5 best scanning devices for vaccine passports.
Top Scanners for Electric Vaccine Passports
Digital vaccine passports typically have a QR or barcode with all the relevant information about the passport holder. As a business owner, you need a proper system in place to be able to read this information. This is where QR and barcode scanners come into play. These devices come with ultra-performance that long surpasses the sole function of scanning.
Before we dive into the top list, here are some features worth considering. First, queuing. It is among the biggest concerns for most restaurants, bars, and café owners who plan on implementing vaccine passports. They are afraid people will be stuck in lines to get their digital certificates scanned. However, business owners may not know that today’s barcode scanners can perform instant scans for hours without having to recharge the batteries so often.
Also, there are many models of barcode scanners on the market today. Each has its own limitations regarding the barcodes it can scan. For example, laser scanners are pretty affordable but can’t scan barcodes from mobile screens. This makes them useless as most people carry a digital version of their vaccine passports. So, your device has to scan 2D codes and be able to scan from screens.
Honeywell CT60 – OUR TOP PICK
The Honeywell CT60 is a mobile computer known for its 1D and 2D scanning functions. It runs on Android 10 and has a Qualcomm processor. It has a nice-sized H.D. screen with high transparency, low reflectivity, and a clear image during all lighting conditions. The 5100mAh battery supports fast charging and runs on a 4G network. This mobile computer comes with a physical keyboard containing 29 keys and supports micro-SD cards.
It’s best used in warehouses and manufacturing facilities due to its industrial design.
Sonim RS60
Sonim RS60 is a robust, durable, and portable data scanner that runs on the Android operating system. Its integrated scanner is packed in a first-class engine performing fast and reliable scans. Whether your business mainly operates in the transportation, warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing industry, this device may be perfect for you.
Sonim RS60 is another rugged tablet, meaning it’s resistant to falls, and also dust, chemical, and waterproof. Sanitizing the device won’t ever be a problem!
The 8,000mAh battery will ensure the device lasts throughout a shift, and the Android O.S. allows you to download all vaccine-scanning apps your visitors or workers may use.
Sonim RS80
(Our Top Pick) The Sonim RS80 is a new rugged tablet from Sonim. Mostly known for its smart scanners, Sonim doesn’t fail to deliver as a high-performance covid passport scanning device.
Much like its predecessor, the RS80 device is waterproof, so you can sanitize it worry-free. Android 10 makes it easy to operate and download any app you need to scan vaccine passports. Both RS80 and RS60 can scan barcodes and QR codes, eliminating the risk of unpleasant surprises or long queues due to a lack of technical support.
Thanks to its simplistic design, RS80 can be used just about anywhere – in the industrial, tourism, or any other sector.
Talk to a Technology Expert
Applying the new regulations around the COVID-19 situation is not always easy. You’re most likely aware that your business should implement a different approach to fighting the disease by scanning vaccine passports for entry. But if you have trouble figuring out how to correctly set up a vaccine passport scanner for your business, we can help.
If you need any further information about vaccine passports and respective scanning devices, feel free to contact us today.
We have great deals for purchasing vaccine passport scanners in bulk and would love to assist you. Contact us and let us know how we can help your business.
