The Australian government has started producing COVID-19 vaccination certificates for safe overseas travel.

Citizens and Australian visa holders with valid passports and who have COVID-19 vaccination records on the Australian Immunisation Register can obtain this international proof of COVID-19 vaccination. 

The certificate can be downloaded digitally or printed and is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps, such as the International Air Transport Association Travel Pass.

The proof of vaccination features a QR code that border authorities can scan to prove a user's COVID-19 vaccination. According to a government media release, it is "as secure as an Australian passport and authenticated in the same way". It also meets the global standard specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization and conforms with the guidance set by the World Health Organization.

The federal government said it will share the visible digital seal technology incorporated in the international certificate, along with a curated library of technical documents, to interested countries to help them develop their own vaccination certificates.

WHY IT MATTERS

Launching the vaccination certificate is a "key step towards safely reopening international borders and supporting Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery," the federal government said in a multi-agency release on Monday.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

Australians can now provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination through three ways: a digital certificate; immunisation history statement; and the latest international COVID-19 vaccination certificate for overseas travel. 

They can get their vaccination certificate either through their Medicare account on myGov or via the Medicare Express app. 

In other news, New South Wales tried out a vaccination passport app earlier this month, seeking to simplify the check-in process at hospitality venues so users do not have to move through separate apps for QR codes and vaccination certificates.