The Global Impact of Vaccine Certificates on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Globally, COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be instrumental for promoting population health by curbing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and achieving herd immunity. Vaccine certificates have emerged as a promising solution for encouraging vaccination and facilitating the safe reopening of society, however, they remain controversial due to criticisms of infringing upon individual rights of bodily autonomy. While there is extensive literature describing the ethical, legal, and public health implications of vaccine certificates, there is currently a gap in knowledge about the impact of vaccine certificates on vaccine uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The objectives of this scoping review are to (i) evaluate the impact of vaccine certificates on the rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake across several countries and (ii) describe the myriad intrinsic and extrinsic barriers or facilitators that moderate this relationship. Methods We conducted a scoping review based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRSIMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched three bibliographic databases (APA PsychInfo, Embase Classic + Embase, OVID-Medline) and preprint severs on May 17, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and performed data extraction for pre-specified themes. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority documented that vaccine certificates significantly increased the rates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake (n=9), motivated by factors such as travel/employer requirements, influence from the government/peers, and trust in the safety, efficacy, and science behind COVID-19 vaccines. Three studies had non-significant or mixed findings. Only one study found a significant decrease in COVID-19 vaccine uptake, motivated by pervasive distrust in the QR code-based system of digital vaccine certificates in Russia. Conclusion Our findings provide valuable insights into the consequences of vaccine certificates on vaccine uptake at a global scale, which can be used to guide future implementation of vaccine certificates in a more acceptable, feasible, and sustainable manner.