WEH/Ethox Seminar: An ethical approach for implementing COVID-19 immunity certificates

Abstract

Due to insufficient evidence on antibody-based immunity to protect against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, and concerns about the accuracy and reliability of available serological tests, the World Health Organization has advised against the implementation of “immunity passports” or certificates as a way to ease restrictive measures at present, as it may increase the risk of continued transmission. Nevertheless, serological testing for the issuance of immunity passports remains a serious policy option in a number of countries. This webinar will provide an overview of the uses of immunity passports and the ethical issues they raise. Based on the principles of benefit maximization, harm minimization and the least restrictive intervention, it will propose an ethical approach for the implementation of COVID-19 immunity certificates.