Sweden was previously known for its “special route” in the corona pandemic. Instead of lockdown and restrictions as in other European countries, the Swedes initially relied on herd immunity and later on human reason. There was criticism for this, especially in view of the high number of infections. According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 600,000 people in Sweden have contracted the coronavirus so far.
Now the country is going a special way together with Denmark – and wants to introduce a digital vaccination certificate by the summer.
What and for whom is the vaccination certificate intended?
First of all, according to the Swedish digital minister Anders Ygeman, it is a matter of simply proving that you have been vaccinated. Such evidence could be important in the future, for example, when entering other countries or at cultural and sporting events, it said. The digital infrastructure for the vaccination certificate should be in place by June 1st, several authorities are involved.
The Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cheers the first vaccinations, which she is following via video stream
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Denmark even announced its plans for a vaccination certificate a little earlier. This is primarily intended to make life easier for working people on business trips. Evidence should then be provided on the Danish health care website or on a mobile device on a smartphone. Further possible uses are still unknown.
Where are Denmark and Sweden currently in terms of vaccination?
At the moment, few people could benefit from a digital vaccination record. According to the online platform “Our World in Data” (as of February 14th), 6.87 percent of the population in Denmark has been vaccinated so far, in Sweden 4.53 percent. This means that the vaccination rate in both countries is as high as in Germany (4.95 percent) and the European Union. For comparison: In the front-runner country Israel, around 74 percent of people have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus.
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It is unclear whether the majority of Swedes will be vaccinated at some point. The country has been considered vaccine-critical since mass vaccination against swine flu around ten years ago had dire health consequences for children and adolescents. Hundreds of people became terminally ill with narcolepsy, a type of sleep addiction. The vaccination at the time is considered to be one of the biggest medical scandals in the country and people remember it well.
Which people would be left behind?
With a vaccination certificate, vaccinated people could enjoy privileges. What sounds positive at first, but also has a downside. Critics fear compulsory vaccination through the back door – especially for people who want and have to travel a lot or want to participate in social life again. That could divide society, argues Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer. In addition, confidence in politics could be shaken, which had previously ruled out compulsory vaccinations.
For a long time Sweden had relied on common sense, but the number of infections was high
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As long as there is not enough vaccine available, the benefits for vaccinated people are also unfair, according to critics. In addition: Not all people are allowed to be vaccinated without restrictions. People who suffer from severe allergies or who take immunosuppressive medication should only be vaccinated after consulting a doctor; pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it altogether. These people would then be exempt from benefits without their being able to do anything about it.
What is planned in other European countries?
Other European countries such as Greece, Cyprus and Spain are also demanding a uniform vaccination certificate so that vaccinated people can travel freely again and their tourism industry gets going. Poland and Romania already waive the quarantine obligation for travelers if they have been vaccinated against the corona virus.
The EU is also considering a corona vaccination document. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said she did not want a vaccination certificate but a “vaccination certificate”. “The difference is that the paper we think of contains all the data related to vaccination.”
Southern European countries such as Spain are economically dependent on tourism and therefore require a vaccination certificate
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Kyriakides hopes this will be of scientific benefit. “It gives us an insight into the development of the virus as well as possible side effects that only appear after a delay.” In addition, it also allows differentiated aftercare, regardless of which European country you are in.
Will the vaccination pass also come to Germany?
That seems unlikely at the moment. Only recently, the ethics council in Germany spoke out against a vaccination pass. It can still not be ruled out that people who have been vaccinated will continue to spread the virus, the council said. Wearing a mask and keeping your distance is still reasonable, if necessary. Should it be established for sure that vaccinated persons no longer pass the virus on, more leeway is conceivable.
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