The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.
The Centre Think Tank logo in pink consists of the word “Centre” with a dot in the middle of the letter “C”, all in pink.

Our vision

Computer says no

This paper shows the issues with the vaccine rollout and how we can ensure every vaccine dose is logged, regardless of where it has been administered.

At the top of the paper is a pink strip with the words "Centre Think Tank ISSN 2634-4696". Below this is a paper cover in light blue on a white background. The title is "Computer says no. The issues with vaccine passports and NHS IT systems". Under this is an image of two hands, one holding a phone and the other holding a COVID-19 test. Under this are the words "Briefing paper. By Jasneet Samrai, September 7th, 2021."

Computer says no: The issues with vaccine passports and NHS IT systems

This paper looks at how issues with NHS IT systems logging vaccines have caused issues as the government rolls out vaccine passports. As a result, we recommend scrapping vaccine passports and fixing NHS IT systems.
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Quick summary

  • At the moment, people who have moved between different nations are having issues accessing and recording their vaccine doses.
  • This is a problem with communication between NHS systems, with there also being some issues internal to nations.
  • Vaccine passports are being planned for usage domestically; however, there are major issues with these as some people are unable to prove that they have had both doses through no fault of their own.
  • We have a number of policy recommendations to solve these issues, including a new system that allows the transfer of vaccine data across all UK nations.
  • We also oppose the usage of vaccine passports.
  • Long term, we want to implement a single IT system across the NHS, or alternatively, different systems that are compatible with each other and are able to transfer data properly.

Authors

Portrait of Jasneet Samrai

Jasneet Samrai

Deputy Director, External Affairs and Head of Pastoral Care

Jasneet works at the Royal College of Physicians as Public Affairs and Campaigns Advisor and was previously a Policy and Influencing Assistant at Breast Cancer Now and a Deputy store Manager at Oxfam. They also worked as a campaign organiser, helping to elect three MEPs.