The U.K.'s National Health Service rolled out digital COVID-19 vaccination verification May 18, according to MIT Technology Review.
Below are five things we know about the system, which could be used as a basis for future digital vaccine credentialing initiatives:
- Right now, the only people using the app are those exiting the U.K. from England. It could soon expand to people exiting the U.K. from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The app is used only for crossing borders, as its use in everyday dining and retail establishments remains controversial.
- Users still need to check the travel regulations of the countries they're visiting, as not many countries accept vaccination credentials in place of quarantining or a negative COVID-19 test.
- The app only shows vaccination status, but features showing other information such as COVID-19 test results could be added.
- People without a smartphone can request the NHS send them a letter verifying their vaccination status.
- The app was built by retooling an existing NHS app that connects patients to their healthcare providers and medical records.