Regional NSW to vaccination passport trial

The NSW government has revealed how the vaccine passport will work once the state opens up.

Certain freedoms will only be given to residents fully vaccinated, with the passport the way to prove it.

A soft launch will be trialled in regional NSW from October 6, with 100 to 500 invited volunteers involved.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said the vaccination certificates will be integrated into the ServiceNSW app.

“We’re moving heaven and earth to get that ready,” he said.

“Following the pilots, we are working towards a state-wide rollout as NSW starts to reopen in October with the 70 per cent double dosed.”

He said the hospitality and retail industry want it because it makes it simple for them, it also makes it easier for users.

People will need to give consent for their vaccination status to go into the app and their vaccination information will be obtained from the federal Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

Proof of double dose vaccination will be shown on a COVID-19 digital certificate issued through Medicare, which can also be uploaded to smartphone wallets.

The certificate can be downloaded from the Medicare Express app, and also placed into a Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. It is also accessible on Medicare online accounts through myGov.

For those who don’t have a smartphone can contact AIR on 1800 653 809 to have a copy of your immunisation history posted.

The purpose of the passport through Service NSW is to simplify the venue check-in process, so people don’t have to juggle separate apps for QR codes and proof of vaccination.

• Topics:

• Covid-19