TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has recently announced the state’s new vaccination app that allows you to keep a digital copy of your CDC vaccination card available at all times.
It was a multi-million dollar venture that could have been solved by simply putting your vaccination card in your wallet or taking a photo of the card on your phone…but why would you even need to prove that you had a vaccination?
For starters, many colleges are requiring it. The NEA, the national arm of the teachers union is lobbying for proof of vaccination at the national level for all public school students. Many private companies such as cruise lines, sporting venues and concert promoters are requiring proof of vaccination to attend some events.
Now, some employers in New Jersey such as Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJ Barnabas are requiring their employees to show proof of vaccination. Those who don’t are being fired.
Senator Michael Testa warned New Jerseyans to remain vigilant to ensure that the new app launched by the Murphy administration isn’t converted into a vaccine passport that can be used to exclude or segregate people based on vaccination status.
“Governor Murphy hasn’t been transparent with New Jerseyans during the pandemic and he’s refused to rule out the use of vaccine passports,” said Testa (R-1). “We need to be vigilant to ensure this app doesn’t suddenly morph into a vaccine passport that people are forced to display everywhere they go.”
On Monday, the New Jersey Department of Health announced the launch of the Docket app saying it is intended to allow consumers easy access to view and download their vaccination records.
The new app, however, shares features that could be used to implement a vaccine passport, which could be used to prevent unvaccinated individuals from traveling, accessing public places or events, attending school, or even working.
“While Governor Murphy insists the app is not a vaccine passport, it could likely be used for that purpose should he change his mind,” added Testa. “New Jersey is doing just fine without it.”
Testa sponsors legislation (S-3674) that would prohibit the State from requiring private businesses to confirm a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition for entry.
It was later learned that New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli has plans to expand the app to include all of a person’s immunization records.