A number of countries are reported to have begun to relax the restrictions on COVID-19 and open their borders to accept tourist arrivals, both local and international tourists. Recently, this step was also implemented by the United States which began to accept tourist arrivals who had been vaccinated.
However, not all types of vaccinations are accepted by the United States government. As quoted from the Associated Press, many tourists are reported to have visited the United States because their vaccinations were not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US) or WHO (World Health Organization).
The vaccines that are not permitted are the Sputnik V vaccination from Russia and the CanSino vaccination from China. Sputnik V itself is already used in more than 70 countries, while CanSino itself is only allowed in 9 countries.
However, the WHO said it was waiting for more data on the two vaccinations before making a decision. Vaccines recognized by the FDA and WHO must undergo rigorous testing and review to determine their safety and effectiveness.
Seeing this, Dr. William Moss, Executive Director of the Johns Hopkins International Vaccine Access Center, commented.
"Not all of them will be evaluated in clinical trials with the necessary rigor," he said in a statement.
The exception to the US rule is for tourists who have already received a series of Novavax vaccinations in the late-stage study. On the other hand, the United States reportedly allows the arrival of tourists who have received two doses of mixed vaccine combinations of any type, only the vaccination is required to be registered with the FDA and WHO.