The US and Western Europe do not recognise Chinese-made vaccines, and Iceland also doesn’t permit entry to those with Russian jabs
Millions worldwide can’t choose which shots they receive, and countries being selective about which shots are recognised leaves them with limited travel options
But it is in China that this trend is emerging most starkly, with the country so far recognising only Chinese-made shots and its vaccines not approved in the US or Western Europe.
For millions of people worldwide who cannot choose which vacines they get, the risk of more places becoming selective about which shots they recognise, especially given the vaccines’ varying efficacy rates, creates the possibility that even fully inoculated, people’s travel could still be limited – with consequences for international business activity and the tourism industry.
“It will risk the world being divided into vaccine silos based on vaccine nationalism rather than medical necessity.”
most of the fears about vaccine passports are unfounded but this shit actually worries me. the Chinese and Russian vaccines are plenty effective (the Russian is more effective than most of the others available) and are being distributed to poorer countries, yet political bullshit is getting in the way. like if you’re an Uzbek person looking to get vaccinated what are you supposed to do? wait until your country’s relationship with Germany improves? until the US cares about you?
But in a sign that Beijing may be cognisant of the economic costs of being selective on vaccines, the Chinese embassy in Washington this week said travellers who had taken certain Western shots could still enter the country if they were departing from Dallas in Texas.
:deng-cowboy:
For real though, the reason for this is that Dallas has one of the few non-stop flights to China. The idea is that they don't have to worry about you doing a layover in another country on your way.
Also, from the article it seems like the Chinese decision is posturing to try and get the West to recognize Sinovac. Removing the restriction without the West also removing the restriction would put them at a disadvantage on actually getting it done. Also seems like a good way to try and force an exchange of vaccine formulae.
