New York's $64 Million Vaccine Passport Turned Off

Following the reduced demand for access to digital COVID-19 test and vaccine records through the epass.ny.gov portal and the official ending of the pandemic in the U.S., the NYS Wallet that hosts the Excelsior Pass Plus vaccine credential was disconnected as of July 28, 2023.

Since the NYS Wallet app will be removed from app stores, new users cannot log in and register for it.

The app was launched in March 2021 and was eventually used by 11.5 million people.

Media reported various consulting contracts, with over $200 million in spending, are currently the subject of an investigation by the state Office of the Inspector General.

Hazel Crampton-Hays, a spokeswoman for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, said in a statement reported by Joshua Solomon with the Times Union, "Going forward, the state will use the knowledge gained from this project to improve how New Yorkers can use technology to access services and benefits."

The Excelsior Pass Plus and the NYS Wallet Apps provided a secure digital copy of vaccination records, including vaccine type, site, and date of vaccination, validated by the State of New York.

The State of New York says the data collected continues to be private and secure.

The state has set up an "Excelsior Help Desk," which can be reached at 844-699-7277 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to assist those with questions or concerns about their vaccination records.

Internationally, the World Health Organization confirmed launching a digital health partnership on July 1, 2023, that will help protect citizens worldwide from ongoing and future health threats, including pandemics.