At this point in the pandemic, I doubt that many of you are actually thinking about doing any international travel; however, the World Health Organization posted an interesting article on ”Immunity Passports”.  So, what is an “Immunity Passport” you ask? I can tell you what it ISN’T! It is not an international passport for travel but rather a pretty innovative way to predict when an individual is “safe” to move about day-to-day activities without the fear of spreading infection. The theory is that the detection of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 could serve as the basis for a risk-free certificate”. This would enable individuals to travel or to return to work “assuming” they are protected against re-infection.

Remember, there is currently no evidence that people who have recovered from COVID-19 and have antibodies are protected from a second infection. There is not enough evidence about the effectiveness of antibody-mediated immunity to guarantee the accuracy of an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.” People who assume that they are immune to a second infection because they have received a positive test result may ignore public health advice. The use of such certificates may, therefore, increase the risks of continued transmission. As new evidence becomes available, WHO will update this scientific brief. To read the article in its’ entirety please click the link below. Stay safe, be well, and stay tuned!

https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/immunity-passports-in-the-context-of-covid-19