The government will not introduce vaccine passports as a requirement for gaining access into nightclubs in England, health secretary Sajid Javid said on Sunday.
He confirmed that the government had looked at the evidence and would consider it as an option in the future if the situation changes during the autumn.
The possibility of vaccine passports was criticised by some MPs and venues, with it appearing like the system was set to be introduced in October.
"We just shouldn't be doing things for the sake of it or because others are doing, and we should look at every possible intervention properly," Javid said.
"I've never liked the idea of saying to people you must show your papers or something to do what is just an everyday activity, but we were right to properly look at it.
"We've looked at it properly and, whilst we should keep it in reserve as a potential option, I'm pleased to say that we will not be going ahead with plans for vaccine passports."
The move has been criticised by Labour, with deputy leader Angela Raynor calling the government's approach to vaccine passports "shambolic".
Under a vaccine passport system, people would be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test in order to gain access to a venue.
Vaccine passports will come into force in Scotland next month, ministers in Wales set to make a decision this week.