Gov. Kemp signs executive order against state requiring vaccine passports

ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order Tuesday that prohibits the state from requiring COVID-19 vaccination passports.

“Vaccine passports,” or vaccine certificates, are documents that show you were vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus.

The order says that no vaccine passports will be required for entry into Georgia and that state employees won’t be require to provide vaccination proof to their state employers.

“Today’s executive order makes clear that vaccine passports will not be utilized in state government,” Kemp said. “While I continue to urge all Georgians to get vaccinated so we continue our momentum in putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the rearview, vaccination is a personal decision between each citizen and a medical professional - not state government. This order also clearly states that data held by the Georgia Department of Public Health and their immunization system will not be used by any public or private entity for a vaccine passport program.”

Kemp originally stated in April that he would not support any kind of state-mandated vaccine passport.

Supporters say the passports could make re-openings faster and easier. Proof of vaccination or a negative test could be a way for businesses and schools to reassure customers, students and parents that steps are being taken to limit transmission of the virus.

Critics say they have privacy and security concerns over how people’s personal information will be stored and fairness.