Baby Boomers are the least likely to support vaccine passports, with only 77% approving; though these numbers shifted depending on masks/no-masks, and the setting (airports, airplanes, other enclosed spaces, etc.). More than half of those surveyed believed vaccine passports would infringe on the rights of unvaccinated individuals, with healthcare inequity, data privacy, and the possibility of outright forgeries cited as issues influencing the opinions of older generations.
Further broken down into domestic travel, sitting indoors at a restaurant, and attending sporting events/concerts, the survey revealed whether mandating vaccines would actually influence people to become vaccinated. 49.1% of those asked were more likely to attend sporting events or concerts, while 48.8% were more likely to enjoy a sit-down meal in a restaurant.
The survey also asked Americans whether they believed it was fair to demand proof of vaccination to travel on airlines, book hotels, and if travel companies and cruise lines should begin demanding vaccine passports. 50.9% total respondents reported they were more likely to travel domestically with vaccine passport requirements, with women (59%) more likely than men (52%) to say proof of vaccinations should be required. Fully 74% agreed that vaccine passports should be required to fly on an airplane. And finally, the study revealed surprising results based on whether respondents believed the unvaccinated should be quarantined outright during travel.
As with all public health issues, education is key. Discussing this topic openly has given people a chance to consider why this might be less of a personal freedoms debate and much more of a health-emergency response.
The survey numbers show us that more people are beginning to realize getting the vaccine will help limit the spread of COVID-19 while traveling. Especially now, with the delta variant spreading so rapidly.
