Do not require Covid vaccination passports for crowded events

Stop plans to require people to show proof of having been double jabbed in order to enter nightclubs and other crowded events. Allow a negative test to be sufficient, letting the discretion of personal choice and responsibility come into play.

Introducing the proof of vaccination in order to enter crowded events is taking away our freedom of choice and body autonomy. Giving that people may choose not to have the vaccine for various reasons such as religion or health, it is discriminatory to require this in order to enter crowded events. A negative test a few days and on the day of the event should be sufficient for a democratic country, allowing people to choose what they do with their body.

To enter certain venues and events in England you must have proof of one of the following:

• you are vaccinated with 2 doses of an approved vaccine (or one of the single-dose Janssen vaccine) – we will keep this under review as boosters are rolled out

• you have completed a negative PCR test or negative rapid lateral flow test within the past 48 hours

• you are exempt from vaccination or vaccination and testing on the basis of a medical exemption or clinical trial participation

As is the case for vaccinations, tests are available at no cost under the government’s Universal Testing Offer.

Overall, vaccine or test certification will help reduce risks in these settings when compared with no intervention. It will, however, not eliminate the possibility of infectious people attending or transmitting the virus in these settings so individuals should continue to exercise caution.

Department of Health and Social Care