Gov. Kim Reynolds announced during her press conference this (Wednesday) morning that her administration opposes the implementation of vaccine passports in Iowa. Reynolds stresses the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are safe and effective but strongly opposes a state system that requires Iowans to be fully immunized to participate in society.
A vaccine passport is a document that individuals can show to verify they have received a regimen of the approved doses and grants holders increased access to events, travel, businesses and other similar venues. Currently, New York is the only state with some form of a vaccine passport, known as an “Excelsior Pass,” but governors across the country are beginning to show their support or opposition to the idea. Reynolds says vaccine passports present a multitude of legal and privacy problems.
She adds her administration is working with legislative leadership to develop a bill banning vaccine passports in Iowa. The legislature adjourns on April 20, and Reynolds says she will take executive action on the issue if it does not make it to her desk by that deadline. Vaccine rollout continues to expand as the state’s allocation hit an all-time high this week with 160,770 total doses and all Iowans over the age of 16 now eligible. Reynolds says a growing number of Iowans are either fully vaccinated or lining up to get their shot.
State health officials encourage Iowans to be vaccinated as soon as they are able, regardless of which type they are offered. For more information on COVID-19 activity in Iowa or to find a vaccine provider near you, follow the links included below.
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