Vaccine passports may be issued 'within weeks'

Australia is taking another step closer to international travel as the federal government works on an international vaccine passport which will be rolled out in just weeks.

The federal government is in discussions with other countries as to which Covid-19 vaccines will be recognised, with AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna expected to be included.

The passports will be issued as early as October allowing those heading overseas to prove their vaccine status while also being used for returning to Australia regardless of hotel quarantine requirements, the ABC reported.

While the move is a significant step, there is still no concrete date on when international travel will return for Australians.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian expects it will return once the state hits 80 per cent of the eligible population double vaccinated, in accordance to the federal roadmap, however she is sceptical about other states sticking to the plan.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday once international travel is reopened to the vaccinated population, some form of home quarantine will replace hotel quarantine for those with recognised vaccines.

Ms Morrison is now asking all states and territories to show how they will introduce home quarantine as well as the integration of vaccine proof for residents.

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NSW Digital Minister Victor Dominello said work was underway to integrate vaccine proof into its Service NSW app.

Yet questions have been raised by the suitability of other apps being used in other states and territories.

Proof of vaccine can currently be accessed through the Medicare app or through MyGov in the form of two PDF documents.

As being explored by the federal government, QR codes are likely to be used internationally and domestically for proof — a step supported by privacy experts.

Linking a person's vaccine status to their passport microchip is also being explored, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Services Australia told Yahoo News Australia last week they are ensuring Australians have "easy access" to proof of their Covid-19 vaccinations for "wherever they may need it".

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