‘Vaccine passports’ effective in boosting COVID-19 vaccine uptake: study

A report in the journal Health Affairs has found that proof-of-vaccine mandates may be an effective way to increase vaccination uptake across certain age groups, after studying the policy enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fall 2021, proof of COVID-19 vaccination was mandated for all non-essential businesses and venues across 10 Canadian provinces. A group of researchers said the announcement increased first-dose uptake by 290,168 people, or 17.5 per cent, but the numbers stopped climbing within six weeks. “These behavioral changes were short-lived,” the study read. “Uptake returned to preannouncement levels — or lower — in all age groups within six weeks, despite mandates remaining in place for at least four months.” The study said the decline happened early and was more prevalent among people ages 12 to 17. “What that tells us is that the announcement itself actually has a positive response, particularly with younger people,” said the University of Saskatchewan’s Nazeem Muhajarine, a...