Consumers will help decide the outcome of the Fully Vaxxed Versus Anti Vaxxed civil war that is unfolding across America. Our federal government has pledged to refrain from implementing a nationwide vaccine passport system, and hopefully we can trust them. Instead, the Biden administration has chosen to leave the choice of serving or turning away individuals based on their Covid vaccination status up to individual businesses and local jurisdictions. 

New York City recently decided to require proof of immunization to participate in indoor activities. Workers and customers alike will have to prove they’ve had at least one dose before they can enter restaurants, gyms, and other indoor facilities. NYC is the first major US city to take this step, but it likely won’t be the last. 

Many restaurants across the country are beginning to require proof of immunization or a recent negative Covid test before entry as well. Business owners can choose to only let vaccinated people in their doors or remain open to all. Ultimately, the great debate of “Will Americans consent to being vaccinated or retain their right to agency over their own bodies?” will be greatly influenced and determined by the choices we make at the consumer level. 

Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center is the first major sports venue to allow only fully vaccinated fans to purchase tickets and attend NBA and NHL games. They are operating at limited seating capacity with a mask mandate in place. By contrast, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a ban on all vaccine passports, calling it “unacceptable for either the government or the private sector” to demand vaccination in order for citizens to participate in society as normal. 

We’re not required to show proof of vaccination against any other highly contagious disease – at least, not in recent memory. An article in Time magazine pointed out that America has instituted a vaccine passport of sorts in the past. In the late 1800s, travelers were often required to show proof of vaccination against the smallpox vaccine in order to come into the country by train or ship. The vaccine was administered using a topical scratching method that scarred over. The passport was essentially either an inoculation scar or pitted scars on the face or arms showing a person had smallpox. 

Smallpox has a mortality rate of 30%. By comparison, Covid-19 has a mortality rate of 1.7% in America. Of the 20 countries listed as most affected by the coronavirus worldwide, John Hopkins University calculated that Mexico has the highest mortality rate at 8.4%. Healthcare systems, availability of and access to medicines, and general hygiene standards must be considered. Interestingly, China is not listed on JHU’s chart. Seems likely that they as a nation chose to withhold data. 

If Americans flock en masse to the nearest doctor’s office or Walmart pharmacy and get their two doses, a victory will have been won for more government control. If Americans are barred from supporting certain businesses due to choosing to not be vaccinated against a disease with a high survival rate and therefore cause those businesses to suffer financially and retract their vaccine passport policies, a victory will have been won for our ability to maintain individual freedom on a very personal level.