Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Cooper Shies Away From 'Vaccine Passports,' But Says Records Should Be More Accessible

At a press conference Tuesday, Cooper shied away from using the term “vaccine passport” but said the state is working on ways to make it easier for North Carolinians to get their vaccination records. GERRY BROOME/AP

Governor Roy Cooper says the state is working on ways to make it easier for North Carolinians to get their COVID-19 vaccination records. But at a press conference Tuesday, he stopped short of committing to creating a vaccine passport system

Several states have already created such systems, which provide electronic vaccine records people could use to prove their status if prompted.  

When asked, Cooper shied away from using the term “vaccine passport” but said the state is trying to make those records more accessible. 

“They are working now to find the best and easiest way for someone who says, 'hey, I want to show a record of my vaccine.' We need to be able to easily get it to them," said Cooper. "And I think that's something the state should do.”

Health Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen said the state is exploring “IT solutions” and will be contacting potential vendors in the next several weeks. 

The Biden administration has largely left the decision up to the states. A White House spokesperson said Tuesday the federal government has no plans to require Americans to carry a vaccination credential. 

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.

April Laissle is a reporter and WFDD's host of All Things Considered. Her work has been featured on several national news programs and recognized by the Public Media Journalists Association and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Before joining WFDD in 2019, she worked at public radio stations in Ohio and California.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate