Digital “proof of vaccine” certificates will be stored and displayed on phone apps as part of the federal government’s plans for the national distribution of coronavirus vaccines.
The Medicare Express Plus app and MyGov accounts both store digital vaccination certificates, and those who need a hard copy will have access to print from vaccine providers and Services Australia offices.
Cabinet approval for the scheme is expected in the next two weeks, The Sun-Herald and The Age reported on Sunday.
An update to the Medicare app will also be developed as part of the plan, which aims to make confirmation of the vaccine quick and easy to access.
The credentials are expected to simplify visits to nursing homes and hospitals, and may even be required for interstate travel if locks are needed in the future.
They will also play a part in the reopening of international borders, which is expected to begin later this year.
The Pfizer vaccine is expected to be released nationally from the end of this month, while AstraZeneca ‘s release is expected in March.
The federal parliament last week passed laws requiring vaccine providers to register all the vaccines they provide, including the COVID-19 vaccine, on the national record.
Previously, reporting of vaccines had been voluntary.