New Zealand's Ministry of Health is set to pilot a new consumer application where citizens can verify their COVID-19 vaccination status. The government targets to introduce the app before the end of the year.

WHAT IT'S ABOUT

A part of the country's COVID-19 vaccination programme, the upcoming app called My COVID Record will have three components, according to a news report by Health Informatics New Zealand.

It will show a person's digital health identity linked to their National Health Index number. The news report said the Health Ministry has collaborated with Microsoft, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner on this solution, which is based on the identity trust framework of the DIA. It will be using existing identity records and proof of identity to verify users.

A second component is a web app that displays an individual's vaccination records.

Finally, the third component enables user's records from the app to be used in creating vaccine certificates, which is likely to bear a QR code, according to the report.

In the future, the app will enable access to users' COVID-19 test reports and the ability to update their personal information.

WHY IT MATTERS

My COVID Record is connected with the government's travel health pass programme. New Zealand is now working on a "vaccine passport" for international travel that is slated for a December launch. Aside from a QR code, it will bear a secure digital signature or seal. It will be available in both print and digital forms. 

At present, New Zealand citizens have to request and secure a written confirmation of their COVID-19 vaccination status from the Health Ministry for international travel purposes.

THE LARGER CONTEXT

The news report quoted Michael Dreyer, general manager for national digital services at the Ministry of Health, saying that New Zealand is adopting the European standard for travel certification as the EU Digital COVID Certificate is now widely available in a number of countries. Dreyer said he hopes that the EU standard is interoperable with their system. 

This week, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the country will keep its borders shut until yearend. Last month's surge in COVID-19 cases due to the highly transmissible Delta variant forced the island nation, which had kept infections out for months since last year, to close its borders.