Health Shows to Require Proof of Vaccination

May 17, 2021
Health Shows to Require Proof of Vaccination

Two major events dedicated to health and science professionals have indicated they will require attendees to provide proof of vaccination to enter. The decisions, made by organizers of HIMSS21 Health and Safety Hub and HLTH 2021, are among the first large events to declare that in-person participants will need to be fully immunized as the country emerges from the pandemic.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that vaccinated individuals did not need to wear a mask in most instances in which they are surrounded by others who have received their shots. The updated guidance, a major milestone in the COVID-19 recovery, is reliant on the honor system, according to the Biden administration.

However, some organizations are remaining cautious as the country slowly moves toward herd immunity. HLTH officials said the timing is simply not right to return to business as usual for its events, occurring Oct. 17-20 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

"The science is clear: vaccination is our best hope for stopping the spread of COVID, saving lives and putting an end to the pandemic," said Jonathan Weiner, founder and CEO of HLTH. "We owe it not only to our attendees but to the frontline healthcare providers, essential workers and healthcare industry professionals — who have sacrificed so much — to provide the safest possible onsite experience and encourage widespread vaccination."

Attendees for both shows are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their last dose —  or only shot in the case of the Johnson & Johnson option. 

While this may become a standard, and perhaps welcomed, practice among health-based programs, it is unlikely that this will be a universal standard among trade shows as a whole.

Currently, the most common method at establishments like restaurants and retail stores for checking an individual’s status is through a paper vaccination card distributed at the time of the shots. However, many software companies have been planning for this day, creating so-called digital passports to enter events.

HLTH, trying to set a standard for medical innovation, will employ CLEAR's Health Pass as the platform for registrants to show proof of vaccination. HIMSS, happening Aug. 9-13 across three venues in Las Vegas, has not said which platform it will partner with.

Because many COVID-19 safeguards have become divisive issues, it is improbable that all events will have the capability — or the desire to — to mandate vaccines. Many events, particularly in the sports world, are now simply recommending masks rather than mandating them. The NFL is the most notable group to declare full attendance once the season kicks off in the fall.

However, business events looking to put attendees’ minds at ease about returning to in-person gatherings face a dilemma when it comes to safety guidelines in what is becoming a freedom-of-choice debate.

Nevertheless, HMISS will continue with what have become standard practices of easing congestion among walkways and requiring speakers to use face shields or other accepted safeguards.

HLTH took the extraordinary step of adding the support from medical experts into its press release announcing the measure. Two examples include:

  • "By requiring vaccination of all HLTH attendees, the organizers are ensuring all of us can be assured of the safest possible environment and not have to worry about COVID," said Ezekiel J. Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D., chair, Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania.
  • "We've come a long way in the pandemic, but let's not forget our obligation to those who do not yet have immunity," said Dr. Leana Wen, public health professor at George Washington University, a speaker at HLTH 2021 and public health advisor to Americans throughout the pandemic. "Requiring vaccination is the right decision for HLTH and other large events, and will give attendees the confidence to take part, in-person, and fully engage with one another."

Both HLTH and HIMSS will produce digital components for those unable to attend in-person.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact